8608 North State Road 19, Etna Green, IN 46524

PREPARING FOR HOLIDAY TRAVEL

With the holidays right around the corner, there is no doubt you’ve already had plans in the works for quite some time. Destinations decided, hotels booked, and modes of transportation lined up. However, the planning and prep never end because there is always the unexpected to be prepared for. 

One of the best things you can do to prep for your travels is to make sure your car is maintained and prepared for potentially hazardous weather. Some of the most important maintenance items to check off your list to do before travel include:

  • Installing winter wipers
  • Putting on your winter tires
  • Check your tire pressure regularly
  • Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times
  • Ensure your rear window defroster is working
  • Service your car before long drives
  • Have a winter safety kit

Before heading out on your journey, it can help to document your travel routes and itineraries. This is going to help you be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances that may come up and can also help keep you safe when you share them with your friends or family before you head out to your destination. This is important whether you’re traveling across town in the snow at night or across the country by plane. 
Make sure that when you’re preparing to head out that you’re checking the weather frequently for any major shifts in prediction. This is going to help you, along with the route you’ve prepared, be ready for anything unexpected. If you’re heading through any mountain passes, it is better to be over prepared than underprepared. Your winter kit should include blankets, warm clothes, flares, extra food and water, flashlights and extra batteries, jumper cables and/or a jump kit, extra antifreeze, an ice scraper, and anything else that you or your family may need in an emergency situation.
Are you traveling with children? Unfortunately, those we love could become distractions that can cause an incident to happen. When you’re headed out on a long road trip, especially during the holidays when the potential for hazardous weather is raised, helping reduce distractions could save your life. Preparing to entertain children is something that could make the trip less distracting and more bearable for everyone involved. If you’re able, some of the things that may help you prepare your family to entertain themselves include:

  • Snacks
  • Frequent stops (these are wonderful for adults and children alike)
  • Books, games, DVDs, or their favorite music
  • Be prepared for anything and everything you can think of to make sure you and everyone in your car or on your trip has what they need. This is going to best keep you safe and make travel that much smoother, whether it’s by plane, train or automobile.

Let’s get you ready for winter travel! Schedule an appointment today with the highly skilled auto mechanics at Mast Service Center. Please note that our Breman location was closed on November 30, 2018, and our operations have migrated to our new, larger, Etna Green facility. Mast Service Center is located at 8608 North State Road 19 in Etna Green, IN 46524. We look forward to seeing you soon!