Drivers Should Make Sure Their Vehicles Are
Ready for Holiday Travel
CENTREVILLE, Va., Nov. 25,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As millions of people hit the
road this holiday season, CARFAX estimates almost 20 percent of
cars on the road are behind on oil changes, and nearly 30 percent
are behind on tire rotations. CARFAX estimates more than 30 million
vehicles are behind on both services.
Neglecting maintenance can be costly and dangerous. Low or dirty
oil can cause engine failure, leading to expensive repairs.
Skipping tire rotations can cause uneven wear which can reduce
traction and increases the risk of flats or blowouts, which could
leave families stranded by the side of the road.
"Well-maintained vehicles last longer, cost owners less over
time, and are worth more when it's time to sell them,"
said Paul Nadjarian, General Manager of CARFAX Car Care. "Our
free Car Care program helps vehicle owners stay on top of their
maintenance schedule with helpful reminders."
Other Important Maintenance to check before you
travel:
- Check Your Wiper Blades: If the rubber has cracked,
your car's wipers may leave streaks. This will hurt visibility,
creating a safety hazard. Wipe them down or install new blades.
Wiper blades should generally be switched every six months.
- Consider Winter Tires: Cold weather can cause the
rubber in standard tires to harden, impacting traction. Winter
tires have special rubber compounds and tread patterns crafted to
provide optimum grip on slick roads.
- Check Your Battery: Cold weather reduces battery
power and could cause your battery to fail. If a mechanic says your
battery's weak, get a new one.
- Check Your Cooling System: It may seem
counter-intuitive given that it's cold outside, but rubber
components in the radiator and heater can crack and leak over time.
Replace hoses that show signs of damage or wear.
- Check Your Wiper Fluid Level: Make sure there's
enough wiper fluid in your car's reservoir. Also, choose a wiper
fluid with antifreeze in it. This will work better during cold
weather. This is important since slush from the road can be kicked
up onto your windshield and dry there, limiting visibility. It's
also smart to carry an extra gallon around in your car.
- Pack a Winter Survival Kit: If your car breaks
down, ensure you have what you'll need to survive. The kit should
include water, a blanket, an ice scraper, food, road flares, a
fully powered phone charger, a flashlight, and a first aid
kit.
Safely Pack Your Car
It's important to know how to
safely pack your car for an extended trip:
- Make sure everything is packed securely: In the
event of a collision, those objects can become missiles – and
inflict a lot of damage.
- Don't overcrowd your car: Make sure every person
has their own seat belt. And ensure that any pets along for the
ride are likewise secured.
- One thing many travelers forget: Make sure you're
not carrying more weight than the automaker recommends. Excessive
weight can hurt your car's stability and put too much pressure on
your tires.
Editor's note: Interviews with a Carfax expert are available
anytime. Please contact Em Nguyen at emnguyen@carfax.com.
About CARFAX
CARFAX, part of S&P Global Mobility, helps millions of
people every day confidently shop, buy, service and sell used cars
with innovative solutions powered by CARFAX® vehicle history
information. The expert in vehicle history since 1984, CARFAX
provides CARFAX Used Car Listings, CARFAX Car
Care, CARFAX History-Based Value and the flagship CARFAX
Vehicle History Report to consumers and the automotive
industry. CARFAX owns the world's largest vehicle history database
and is nationally recognized as a top workplace by The
Washington Post. Shop, Buy, Service, Sell – Show me the
CARFAX®.
S&P Global Mobility is a division of S&P Global (NYSE:
SPGI). S&P Global is the world's foremost provider of credit
ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global
capital, commodity and automotive markets.
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SOURCE CARFAX