The holidays are about being jolly and bright, but it can be hard to stay in the festive spirit when dealing with challenges on the road. With poor weather conditions, partial daylight, and traffic jams lasting (for what feels like) forever, it can be rough. To make your holiday travels easier and safer, here are some of our top tips.
Plan to Leave Early - If your schedule is flexible, we recommend avoiding peak times. Leaving early in the morning before sunrise is a good time window. Some people leave a few days before Christmas Eve to avoid the busy traffic.
Look At the Weather and Traffic Conditions Beforehand - Manage expectations better by looking at the weather forecast, as rain and snow can slow down traffic even more. Plus, you can use GPS apps to learn where traffic is congested along your route. It will also give you alternative options to avoid traffic.
Be Well Rested and Stay Alert - If you drive for hours on end, make sure you are well-rested. More than 100,000 vehicle crashes related to drowsy driving are reported each year. To avoid an accident, make sure you get the rest you need. Feel free to take rest stops, or swap drivers if you’re carpooling.
Don’t Speed - ..to avoid a speeding ticket or accident. It is as simple as that.
Limit Distractions - Driving requires all your attention, meaning your eyes should be on the road at all times. Taking merely 5 seconds to read a text or choose a song from your playlist may seem harmless, but it is all it takes to crash. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask another driver or pull over.
Have Your Car Ready - Before you embark on your journey to a parent’s or grandparent’s home, make sure your vehicle is roadworthy to handle cold temperatures and potentially icy conditions. You should check your tires, brakes, windshield wipers, battery, and more.
We invite you to The Detroit Garage for a pre-trip inspection for the holidays. Our auto repair team is always looking out for your safety, which is why we want to help. It’ll grant you peace of mind knowing that your car won’t break down from mechanical failures. Please give us a call or visit if you have questions or concerns regarding your vehicle