Experiencing car trouble when driving or traveling during the holiday season is especially frustrating due to the more condensed and busy social calendar many of us experience, coupled with the increased traffic that’s out on the road. The cold weather of December adds on additional risk for car trouble, and here at Towing Chicago, we provide instant roadside assistance service direct to your location guaranteed to rescue you from any sort of automotive predicament. However, here’s a guide to avoiding roadside issues during the holiday season, so that you can be better prepared and avoid ever having to contact us to begin with.
Tire Checking
Fluctuating environmental temperature affects the pressure of your tires, with cold air making them contract. Before embarking on any sort of drive in the cold weather, check your tires to ensure they haven’t lost their air or become flat. Make sure that your spare tire is full, and that you have the right tools or jack in your trunk in the event that you do experience a flat tire. You can check that your tire tread is the proper depth by inserting in an upside-down penny – if you can see all of Abraham Lincoln’s head, it’s time to get new tires as your treads have worn down too much.
Maintaining Engine Coolant
Make sure to check the levels of your engine’s coolant fluid before driving in cold temperatures. If your car has experienced overheating in the past, make sure to bring extra coolant with you.
Jumper Cables
Dead batteries is one of the most frustrating automotive issues out there, and can affect even brand new cars. Always keep a pair of jumper cables in your vehicle to make sure that you are prepared for the eventuality of a low or drained battery. It’s super easy to jump a car battery, and other drivers on the road are usually down to help assist you to jump start your car so you can get back on the road.
Breakdown Kit
It’s important to keep a kit of items in your vehicle at all times that help you be prepared for a potential breakdown. Always bring a bright flashlight, or even better a headlamp. They can help you inspect under your vehicle’s hood, your car’s tires, and your surrounding environment in the event of a breakdown, while also helping you be more visible to other drivers. Bring a blanket in case your car breaks down in cold weather, as the interior temperature will quickly plummet, in order to keep you and/or other travelers warm. Always have road flares that you can use to border your car if you’ve broken down on a freeway at night, and also to help you utilize as a beacon to ask for help if you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere. Lastly, always bring a first aid kit full of anti-bacterial cream, wipes, medicines, band-aids, and bandages just so you can be prepared.