Three Tips for Holiday Road Trips

From Black Friday shopping to hanging lights, families in Wisconsin have started preparing for the holiday season. We hope you enjoy this season and spend quality time with the people you love during the holidays.

If your holiday plans involve travel, make sure your vehicle can handle the demands of the road before you leave.

Check your tires. Winters in Mukwonago mean snow, ice, and slippery roads. Measure your tire tread – you need at least 4/32” of tread in order to safely handle slick conditions. Worn patches, bulges, and uneven tread indicate a problem with the tires or alignment. Catching them early can help you maximize the life of your tires and reduce the risk of a blowout on the road.

Pack an Emergency Kit. Road trips are unpredictable, especially during the fall and winter. Keeping an emergency kit in your trunk can help your family stay safe in unpredictable conditions. Make sure you have a tire jack for replacing a flat tire, and check the condition of the spare. Include jumper cables, lights for visibility, a hat and gloves or blanket to stay warm, and a granola bar and bottled water.

Watch Road Conditions. Check the forecast before you head out and adjust your plans accordingly. If roads look too dangerous for travel, stay home and stay safe. Traffic and weather can make holiday travel more stressful, so plan ahead with alternative routes.

Before you hit the road, stop by S&S Research for a pre-trip inspection. Our certified technicians will inspect the key systems in your vehicle and explain the exact condition of your vehicle. If any services are needed, we will thoroughly explain your auto repair options. Take care of any needed maintenance at home to reduce the risk of a roadside emergency.

To schedule a pre-trip inspection or your next car maintenance service, request an appointment online or call our auto repair shop in Mukwonago at 262.968.3324