The holidays are a wonderful time of year, filled with energy, festive traditions, and moments spent with those who matter most. But before you can truly soak up the spirit of the season, you first have to get where you’re going. Sometimes, that’s a short drive across town. For others, it means hours spent behind the wheel with the entire family, luggage, and holiday essentials in tow.
At Hendrick Automotive Group, we’re here to help you and your vehicle prepare for holiday travel with practical tips that make the journey safe, smooth, and stress-free.
Vehicle Prep
You may be ready for the holidays, but is your vehicle? Maintenance matters year-round, but it’s especially important when long drives are ahead. Your vehicle is the foundation of a holiday road trip, and if it’s not in optimal condition or up to date on service, you run the risk of unexpected and very inconvenient delays.
Before you plan your route and pack your bags, ensure key systems are in good working order.
- Battery: Cold weather can accelerate strain on a battery, especially if it’s already weak or aging. Have your battery system checked for signs of corrosion and confirm it’s fully charged.
- Tires: Proper tire pressure and tread depth provide safe handling, which is critical during wet or wintry conditions. Confirm tires are properly inflated, check tread depth, and rotate or replace if necessary.
- Fluids: Engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and more. Vehicles rely on several fluids to safely operate. Make sure they’re clean and at the proper level to avoid performance issues and potential damage.
- Brakes: Don’t jeopardize safety. Responsive brakes are a must during holiday traffic or adverse weather. Have your brake pads and rotors inspected and always monitor for squeaking or excessive vibrations.
- Lights: Fully functioning headlights, taillights, and turn signals provide clear visibility, keeping you and those around you safe. Routinely check your exterior lights and replace burnt-out bulbs in a timely manner.
Holiday travel brings enough planning on its own, so let Hendrick handle the vehicle prep! We’ll test your battery, check your tire pressure, top off essential fluids, and perform a thorough multipoint inspection to make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey.
Find a Hendrick Service Center near you and schedule your FREE Road Ready appointment.
Before You Go
Once you know your vehicle is road ready, there’s still some important planning to do. A little preparation goes a long way during the holidays, and a few details can make your trip much smoother and more enjoyable.
Consider the following before you hit the road.
- Documentation: Confirm your driver’s license, registration, insurance, and other important documents are valid, and always know where they’re located inside your vehicle.
- Route Planning: Use a GPS or navigation app to map out rest stops, gas or charging stations, and places to grab a meal. Keep an eye on traffic conditions, weather, and toll road locations. If you’re traveling near a busy metropolitan area, try to avoid peak rush hour times.
- Interior Layout: Think about how many passengers you’ll have and how much cargo you’re bringing. If your vehicle has an adjustable second or third row, determine the setup that provides the right mix of seating and storage.
- Comfort & Entertainment: Small comforts make a big difference. Pack snacks, drinks, blankets, and anything else that helps everyone settle in for a long drive. Fully charge all your devices beforehand and bring extra cords so entertainment lasts the entire trip.
Mastering the Journey
Preparation sets you up for road trip success, but the actual drive is what carries you to the main events of your holiday season. When long miles are ahead, smart habits and simple strategies make the trip uneventful in the best way possible.
- Limit Distractions: The road always deserves your full attention. Avoid handling your phone or texting. If you need to make a call, use your vehicle’s hands-free mode. Take advantage of your infotainment system’s navigation and entertainment features.
- Remain Vigilant: Holiday travel can create hectic road conditions. Keep an eye on other vehicles and anticipate sudden stops or lane changes. Leave yourself plenty of room to stop and adjust speed, especially when weather or visibility are a factor.
- Stay Alert: Long hours behind the wheel can take a toll. Begin your trip well rested, and don’t hesitate to take breaks or switch drivers when fatigue sets in. Staying hydrated and well fed also keeps you energized.
- Respect the Road: Do your part in keeping the roadway safe for you and fellow holiday travelers. Use turn signals, follow speed limits and other traffic laws, enter and exit highways properly, and avoid any aggressive driving behaviors.
- Take Your Time: Perhaps most importantly, take your time! Practice patient driving and take brakes whenever they’re needed. Your holiday destination will be there when you arrive, so don’t rush yourself into avoidable delays.
Hendrick Is Here for the Holidays
No matter how far you’re traveling, thoughtful preparation and attention can make a holiday journey more enjoyable from start to finish. Combine smart planning and safe driving with a vehicle that’s ready for the road, and you’re well on your way to a holiday season that’s as smooth as it is memorable.
Wherever you’re headed, Hendrick Automotive Group is here to help you make the most of every mile. Before you hit the road, schedule your free Road Ready service appointment and head into the holidays with confidence behind the wheel.
As you prepare for the holiday season, don’t miss the Hendrick Red Tag Sales Event! With options like $0 down and no payments for 90 days, now is the perfect time to find the vehicle built for all your holiday adventures. Browse our extensive nationwide inventory and make it a happy Hendrick holiday during the Hendrick Red Tag Sales Event!
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