Driving home for Christmas is always exciting. Make sure you get there on time by following our quick guide to preparing your car for its festive trip. These tips are handy at any time of the year but are especially relevant if you’re planning a long journey to see loved ones this holiday season.
Your tyres are the only point of contact your car has with the road so it’s vital to ensure they are in tip top condition to keep you, your passengers and other road users safe. Though we rarely see a white Christmas in Dorset, the roads do get icy at this time of year so it’s even more important to make sure your tyres are at the correct pressure and that they have at least the legal tread depth.
To make way for all those presents you’ll be transporting to and from your loved one’s, have a thorough clear out of your car, throwing away any rubbish and tidying the random items that have somehow made their way into your vehicle over the past year. Don’t forget the boot, glove box and under the front seats!
As the weather gets colder, the gritter lorries will be out in force spreading the road with salt. While this is essential to keep us safe, it can stick to the windscreen and reduce visibility. So, to keep your windscreen clear, ensure your screen wash is kept topped up. The solution will also help prevent it from freezing.
While you’re out checking your screen wash levels, it’s also a great time to make sure other important parts of your car are working too. This includes making sure all your exterior lights are working, using the dipstick to check how much oil your engine has left and testing your anti-freeze.
The last thing you want as you’re driving home for Christmas is for your car to break down and leave you stranded. So, why not sign up for a breakdown service? Most of the major operators continue working even on Christmas Day so you’ll be safe in the knowledge that should the worst happen, there’s someone you can call.
For further advice on staying safe in your car this Christmas, get in touch with the experienced mechanics at Sunrise Service & MOT Centre in Blandford today by calling 01258 459 798. We’ll be more than happy to check over your car to make sure it’s safe and ready for the festive period.