Thanksgiving weekend is one of the biggest travel days of the year, where we make amazing memories with our family and friends. You are not crazy to prepare yourself for this like for months. Who wants to miss it, right? What about your car? It’s time to get your car ready for Thanksgiving travel and more miles on the clock. Read on to get the checklist for Thanksgiving prep for your car.
Before loading the car, there are a few things you may do that will keep your mind focused on where you’re going and the road ahead. A little forethought now may save you a lot of time and money in the long run, keep you off the side of the road, and steer you away from shoddy auto shops.
Debris and other dangers can be found on the road due to the bad weather that occurs in the fall. If you want to keep yourself and your passengers safe, make sure your brakes and tires are in good condition. Keeping an eye on your tire pressure is also important since it might drop as the weather becomes colder outdoors. Your owner’s handbook should tell you how much pressure to put on your tires. Keeping this on track can ensure your safety for your Thanksgiving travel.
Winter comes with shorter days and less sunshine. It is imperative to make sure that your headlights and brake lights are working properly. Walk around the exterior of your vehicle. Check the functionality of your: headlights, taillights, parking lights, brake lights, and emergency flashers.
Replace all bulbs that have damaged or ceased functioning. Make sure your lights are clean as well since dirt and grime can limit their brightness. This makes it difficult to see the road ahead of you when driving. Halogen headlights are recommended for older vehicles with sealed-beam headlamps for better visibility and safer driving.
Read: Here’s how you should be cleaning your car’s headlights
The purpose of wiper blades is to remove all water and debris from the windshield so that you can see well while you drive in the rain. When driving in bad weather, cracked or damaged windshield wiper blades can cause dangerously low visibility. Check the rubber on the wiper blades to determine if it is flexible, and make sure the wipers are clearing the glass. New ones should be purchased if they don’t or leave heavy streaks. Replace any worn or broken wiper blades on your vehicle.
It’s not enjoyable or safe to drive with a malfunctioning heater. Driving with fogged-up windows on colder days has the same effect on visibility as driving with ineffective windshield wipers during wet or stormy conditions. Make that the defrosters on both the front and back windows are operating properly. Seek the help of experts to fix and checkup your heater and defrost system.
Cold weather requires a fully charged battery to start the vehicle. Observe the battery terminals and cable ends for evidence of corrosion or lose connections. If so, your battery is in need of maintenance. Inspecting your vehicle’s engine hood might reveal any evident symptoms of the damage, as well as the necessity for repair or replacement.
Squeeze the cooling system hoses and replace any that are brittle or spongy-feeling, and look for leaks, fractures, or loose clamps. Drive belts should be checked for fraying and replaced if necessary. With the help of a professional, check the engine. For instance, if you detect any sounds, sputtering, or any other engine problems, fix them.
Read: How to clean car battery corrosion the right way
You should make sure the air filter is clean enough to allow for optimal operation, which might create problems like engine overheating if it is clogged. Remove the air filter from your car to inspect it. It’s time to replace it if it’s black or dark grey and you can’t see any light coming through it with a 60-watt bulb.
Keep your car’s fluid levels correctly replenished when the temperature drops below freezing to extend the life of your vehicle. Maintain the safest possible levels of all of your car’s vital fluids, and replace them as necessary. All of these fluids are included in this, as well as the engine oil. It’s also a good idea to make sure your car has enough petrol to last you through the colder months of the year.
Read: How to clean a mass airflow (MAF) sensor
When the engine is cold, experts recommend monitoring the coolant level in the overflow tank. Keep your vehicle’s engine running when the temperature drops dramatically by adding a 50/50 combination of water and coolant to the antifreeze. Thanksgiving season is cold, so this should be your priority,
Weather and extended car trips may have a negative effect on your vehicle, too. The all-weather floor mats are a good investment if you spend a lot of time in and out of the weather. Keeping the mess in one area is easy because of their design.
Believing that cleaning your car before you go on a trip is counterintuitive, give it a try. Your vehicle’s fuel economy will improve if you remove any superfluous stuff from the trunk and backseat.
To improve your car’s looks and reduce the risk of steamy glass, it is important to keep your windows clean. It’s important to remember that better visibility minimizes the risk of an accident in traffic, and nothing destroys a holiday faster than a collision.
Read: How to remove water spots from car windows?
Your vehicle’s exterior will last longer if it is regularly cleaned of dirt, debris, and road grime. This residue can be removed by regular car washes. As well as the sticky residue that leaves leave behind during the changing seasons. It’s important to maintain your car clean, but be aware of any indicators that it may have been overwashed, which can lead to damage to the vehicle’s paint finish. Having a clean car before Thanksgiving is the best.
The checklist covers everything that you need to keep in mind for Thanksgiving prep. If you are confused about how to find the best car wash for your car in your neighborhood, fret not. We recommend you to visit Way.com or download the Way app (available on iOS and Android). Enjoy a safe and touch-free car wash experience with Way. Just scan and drive away with a spotless car this Thanksgiving.
