Nearly 50 million Americans were expected to take to the roads on Thanksgiving day. End-of-year holidays could mean just as many — if not more. Holiday travel means crowded roadways, tired and stressed-out drivers, and sometimes uncooperative weather. Below are some holiday travel tips to help you arrive safely at your destination and have a happy holiday celebration.
5 Holiday Travel Tips From Zimbrick
Plan your route and departure time
Holiday-related traffic in major metro areas can stretch commutes to as much as three times their normal duration. Avoid rush hour departure times, and consider making the drive on the actual day of the holiday if possible.
You may also want to consider avoiding major highways and finding a backroad route to your destination.
Stay fresh
In addition to the added time behind the wheel, holiday driving can be stressful among all the traffic. Get a good night’s sleep before your journey, and consider taking turns behind the wheel with another member of your party. Whatever you do, don’t drive drowsy while trying to push through.
Inspect your car before you leave
Before you go, give your car a basic inspection that includes:
- Tire treads and pressure
- Battery life
- Oil and fluids
- Windshield wiper blades
- Lights and turn signals
- Emergency roadside kit
Drive defensively
It’s wise to always drive defensively, but even more so during holiday travel. Stop-and-go congestion increases the risk of fender benders. Other drivers will be speeding to try to make up for lost time. Darkness sets in early in the winter. And snow, ice, and sleet can make for dangerous conditions.
Winterize your car
If you’ll be traveling through a colder climate, winterize your vehicle by bringing a set of snow chains or snow tires, changing to a thinner viscosity of oil, and topping off with antifreeze.
Begin Your Holiday Season in Madison, WI
One final tip: It’s never a bad idea to bring your car in for a tuneup before making a long drive. The service team at Zimbrick Automotive in Madison, Wisconsin, can give your car a thorough inspection and make sure you’re properly prepared for the road ahead.
Schedule your service appointment today. On behalf of Zimbrick Automotive, have a safe and happy holiday season.
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