The holidays are here, which means it’s time for holiday road trips. Whether you’re going on a vacation during your holiday break or you’re taking a drive to your family’s house for holiday celebrations, you want to make sure your vehicle is running right. Is your Mazda prepped for a holiday road trip? Read on to make sure!
The first thing to check is your vehicle’s battery. During the coldest months of the year, your vehicle’s battery takes a beating. Batteries typically last between three and five years, but you should inspect your battery every winter to be sure it’s running well. Be sure to clean off any corrosion that may have accumulated, and replace the battery if your vehicle needs to be jumped often.
Next, check your tire tread. During the rough winter weather, road conditions are poor. The better your tire’s tread, the better your vehicle can grip the surface below. If your tire tread is low, it may be time for a tire rotation or replacement. If you need to replace your tires this winter, consider snow tires to make winter driving as easy and safe as possible.
You always want properly functioning brake pads, especially in the winter. Even if you don’t hear any squealing or screeching, you still want to have your brakes inspected before heading out on a winter road trip. Even quiet brakes can be worn down to as much as 1/4 an inch.
Next up, fluids. Make sure your vehicle’s fluid levels are filled before you hit the road. Some examples of fluids to fill include radiator fluid, brake fluid, antifreeze, power steering fluids, and transmission fluid.
Lastly, make sure you have a fully packed emergency kit for your winter road trip. A winter emergency kit should include jumper cables, tow ropes, duct tape, a spare tire, tools, a flashlight, a blanket, kitty litter or sand, nonperishable food, and winter accessories like hats, scarves, and gloves.
This winter, you can have your vehicle serviced at Bright Bay Mazda. Visit our service department to receive proper winter weather maintenance before you head out on your holiday road trip. To contact our service team, call us at 631-203-2316 today!
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