Chances are you’re going to visit some loved ones this holiday season, and before you do, you might want to conduct that car repair that you’ve been neglecting. If there are issues with the car you’ll be taking on you trip this holiday, you could be putting yourself and your friends and family in danger.

For more information on what types of car repair you should conduct before the weather gets cold and you get in the car to take your holiday trips, call your local car repair service.

In the meantime, check out some of these tips for keeping your car repaired and up-to-date before you climb in the car for any vacations this holiday season.

YOU DON’T WANT YOUR BRAKES FAILING ON THE DRIVE HOME.

Brakes are something that people often neglect – either because they’re one of the more expensive regular maintenance items on a car, or you’re just not good at timing when it’s time to get them checked.

Failed brakes are one of the scariest failures to experience on a car. If you’re driving back and forth between the homes of friends and families this year, consider car repair that includes a brake update.

ICY WEATHER AND COLD CAN CAUSE SMALL PARTS TO CRACK.

There are small plastic parts all inside of your car – things like window mechanisms, spark plugs, and latched can all freeze in the extremely cold winter areas and crack.

Have your car repaired and looked over before you get on the road to drive to an area that there might be heavy snowfall and ice. This will prevent small parts cracking and breaking on the drive up there, and will keep you safe this holiday season.

TOPPING OFF FLUIDS BEFORE A TRIP CAN PREVENT LARGER REPAIR NEEDS.

No matter when the last time was that you fixed your car, you should always top off all of your fluids before you get in your car for long drives. This will make sure the inside of your car is properly lubricated for the drive and that everything is working properly.

GETTING NEW TIRES WILL KEEP YOU SAFE IN THE SNOW.

If you haven’t changed your tires in a while, you should do so right before any holiday trips. Old tires are not good in the cold weather, and can cause you to spin out, or screech your tires when you don’t expect it to.

If you’re driving through any cold weather or rain this holiday season, having bad tires will hurt your trip, and put your family and friends that are also in the car in danger.

IF YOU’RE MISSING HEAT, YOU MIGHT HAVE BIGGER ISSUES.

You went downstairs one morning and turned on your car – your heat isn’t working. Not only will it be uncomfortable to make a long trip without heat in your car – but you have to get this problem fixed right away for other reasons.

No heat in your car indicates a bigger problem with the engine, as heat comes off the engine and the inner workings of the car. If you’re not feeling heat, don’t take your car on any long trips this season until the problem is fixed.

CHANGE YOUR AIR FILTER BEFORE YOU GO SO YOU DON’T UNEXPECTEDLY STALL.

An easy fix that is often updated during an oil change or other routine maintenance – change your air filter before you hit the road this holiday. This will ensure that your car breathes the way that it’s supposed to, and can prevent larger problems you may have on the road.

OVERALL CAR CHECK-UPS ENSURE THAT ALL OF SANTA’S PRESENTS MAKE IT SAFELY HOME.

Simply checking out your car or taking it to a mechanic before your trip this holiday season will ensure that everything is in working order, and will help you keep those traveling with you safe – not to mention, you’ll be making sure all of Santa’s presents make it properly to their destination!

Holiday Service Center is an automotive repair station, gas station, and car service center. Contact us, your local Toms River Mechanics, for more information on regularly maintaining your car.