Are We There Yet? Getting Your Car Ready!

By Brian Klaubert and Brian Warbington

Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away. Thanksgiving is always the busiest travel holiday of the year, and this year is projected to be the busiest road traffic holiday in some time. Before going on that trip to Grandma’s, you should probably check out your vehicle.

One of the most important checks is to drive the car in complete silence. Turn off the radio, the heater fan, and any other sources of noise. Drive at about 50 mph on a quiet road. Listen for any unusual clicking, grinding, or other noise. Lightly apply the brakes and listen again. Severely apply the brakes and feel for any unusual handling. If you find anything unusual, have it checked out before your trip.

Alternatively, most service facilities will offer a courtesy check of the vehicle with an oil change or tire rotation. Some full service facilities will even road test your vehicle.

Do you feel vibration any time you are traveling above 50 mph? You may need your tires balanced. Do you only feel a vibration when braking, and it gets worse on longer trips? You probably need to have your front rotors turned (machined). Does your car always want to go to the right or to the left? You may need a front end alignment. Lastly, look at the front and rear tires. Your best tires should be on the front. If they are not, have them rotated. Correcting any of these deficiencies before a long trip will add to both your comfort and your safety.

Some other things to consider involve where you are going. Are you going up North? Weak anti-freeze is rarely a problem in Atlanta, but is a serious problem in Buffalo!  Also, consider your windshield washer antifreeze. Top this oft forgotten fluid off with low-freeze point winter washer fluid if you are going North. And regardless of your destination, don’t forget about your windshield wipers. A down pour on the interstate is the wrong time to learn that you need new wipers.

Everyone is busy, and time just disappears. However, if you are going on a long trip do not wait until the last minute to have your vehicle serviced. Sometimes a small problem arises after major repairs. If you pick your car up the evening before the big trip, and the problem occurs 10 miles into your next morning’s journey, you will be delayed. If you waited until Wednesday before Thanksgiving, you may not go anywhere at all.

Drive safely and courteously, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Brian Klaubert and Brian Warbington are with Christian Bros. Automotive-Hamilton Mill in Dacula.