12 December 2025The turkey leftovers are officially history folks! The
Christmas decorations are already sparkling across Christmas Lane and McCall Park, and the "Great
Holiday Road Trip” window is now wide open.
‘Tis the season for heavy
hauling oversized purchases all the way from Tampa malls and squeezing a
suspicious number of wrapped gifts into a trunk that definitely
wasn’t designed for this much holiday spirit. While Santa has a magical
sleigh and eight flying reindeer, most of us are rolling around in a ride with more
than 50,000 miles under its belt, carrying a trunk
full of holiday gear and luggage to boot.
A breakdown won’t ever be on Santa's itinerary, but
it definitely should be a concern for ours!
So, whether you’re sneaking out for a strategic
"escape-the-in-laws” trip to grab a missing ingredient or packing up for a more
serious holiday drive down to Miami and beyond, the
last thing you need is a roadside breakdown playing the Grinch.
That’s why we’ve outlined the 5 Must-Do Vital
Checks that need your attention before you load the last piece of luggage and
finally hit the highway.
5 Critical Car
Services to Do Right Before the Holidays
1. Tires &
Alignment
With the luggage stowed, the gifts packed, and the whole family loaded
up, your vehicle is officially riding at maximum capacity. Since your vehicle
is now heavier, you need more stability than ever. Give your tires a quick
visual check for low pressure and any obvious bulges or wear before you leave
the driveway.
If you notice your vehicle pulling to one side or feel a slight
vibration once you hit the highway, that’s a sign that your alignment is off.
Bring it for a professional alignment and rotation. This service is also vital
for fuel economy and safety when you’re maintaining speed on the long haul up
I-75.
Measures to Take:
·
Visual Tire Check: Inspect for low pressure,
obvious bulges, or excessive wear.
·
Professional Service: Get an alignment and
rotation if the car pulls to one side or vibrates.
·
Pressure Check: Ensure tires are inflated
correctly for the vehicle's maximum load capacity (often listed on a sticker
inside the driver's door).
2. Brake
System Inspection
Sudden stops when the traffic jams near a major junction are
unavoidable. Especially if you’re driving a heavy, loaded vehicle, it’s best to
keep your brakes in peak condition. The simplest check you can do is listen to
your brakes. If you hear any grating, squealing, or grinding when you apply the
pedal, your pads are likely toast.
You can also quickly check your brake fluid level visually. If the sound
is suspicious or the pedal feels soft, schedule a brake inspection immediately.
Check the thickness of the pads and the rotors to ensure maximum stopping power
and safety for the grinding I-4 traffic.
Measures to Take:
·
Sound Check: Listen for squealing,
grinding, or grating sounds when braking.
·
Fluid Level: Visually confirm the brake
fluid reservoir is filled to the correct level.
·
Immediate Action: If the pedal feels soft or
sounds are abnormal, schedule a professional brake inspection to check pads and
rotors.
3. Engine
Fluids, Hoses, and Belts
A sustained long-distance drive, like heading to Atlanta or Miami,
demands continuous high RPMs, which can expose any weakness in your engine's
internal lubrication or cooling. Take a moment to check your oil level using
the dipstick and verify your coolant reservoir is topped off (always wait until
the engine is fully cool).
If the oil appears dark, sludgy, or gritty,
its protection is compromised. Don't risk engine health on degraded oil, seek
professional service for the exact fluid change needed to maintain temperature
and prevent wear during your journey.
As
you perform these fluid checks, take an extra moment to inspect the supporting
components. Quickly check belts for cracks or fraying, and squeeze hoses to
ensure they aren't brittle, mushy, or bulging. A sudden failure of a hose or
belt can lead to overheating and a complete stop, regardless of your fluid
levels.
Measures to Take:
· Oil Check: Use the dipstick to check the oil level and look for a dark, gritty
appearance.
· Coolant Check: Visually confirm the coolant reservoir is topped off (only when the
engine is cool).
· Belt & Hose Inspection: Visually inspect belts for cracks/fraying and squeeze hoses for
brittleness or bulges.
· Maintenance: If oil is dark/gritty or belts/hoses show wear, get an immediate
service to protect the engine.
4. Battery
Health Test
The holiday countdown is stressful enough without your battery joining
in. That intense Florida summer heat drastically weakens battery life, and the
first cold winter morning or long period of sitting idle will finish it off.
You can quickly check the terminals for white/blue corrosion and ensure the
cable connections feel tight. If they look fuzzy, clean them gently.
However, only a professional load test can tell you if your battery will
actually survive the night, especially after the long drive when you need it to
start in a cold parking lot far from home.
Measures to Take:
·
Terminal Inspection: Check for white/blue
corrosion (fuzziness) and ensure connections are tight.
·
Cleaning: Gently clean corrosion
from terminals if visible.
·
Professional Test: Get a professional battery
load test to verify the battery's starting capacity after prolonged use.
5. Wipers
& Visibility
Nothing ruins a stressful road trip faster than surprise rains or heavy
morning fog. Do yourself a favor and top off your washer fluid and give your
wipers a quick test run. If the rubber is split or they leave behind streaks,
they need replacing.
If your wipers are inefficient or your headlights seem dim, get them
fixed. Ensure your light beams are correctly aimed and replace old blades, so
you have perfect visibility, whether you’re navigating night roads near Bartow
or encountering an unexpected I-75 downpour.
Measures to Take:
·
Washer Fluid: Top off the windshield
washer fluid reservoir.
·
Wiper Replacement: Test wipers; replace
blades if they leave streaks or if the rubber is split.
·
Headlight Check: Verify headlights are
bright and light beams are aimed correctly for maximum visibility.
Wrap It Up and
Drive Safe, Plant City!
The holidays are chaotic enough.
You’re already juggling gift lists, coordinating dinner schedules, and trying
to figure out how to fit a 7-foot tree into a living room that already feels
too small. The last thing you need on your mental to-do list is the nagging
fear of a breakdown on the side of I-75.
So, let us handle the grease, the oil,
and the tire pressure. You just focus on the playlist and getting to Grandma’s
house in time for dinner.
From our family at Jarrett Scott Ford
to yours, May your holidays be bright, your engine run smooth, and your travels
bring you safely back home.
