21 November 2025Living in Plant City means our "Fall" doesn't exactly look like a Hallmark movie. We don’t get crisp falling leaves, we get a slightly less humid breeze and possibly a sudden overwhelming urge to drink strawberry shake from Parksdale.
But even if the thermometer is still hovering 80 degrees, Thanksgiving is now upon us. It’s the magical time of year for football, way too much cornbread dressing, and the inevitable challenge of driving on I-4 during the holidays.
If you’re loading the truck with coolers to head up to Georgia or packing the car full of casseroles for a short drive across town, the last thing you want is your ride throwing a bad surprise. A breakdown is bad. A breakdown with a hot green bean casserole in the backseat? That’s a tragedy.
Don't let the stress of a roadside breakdown ruin your holiday plans. At Jarrett Scott Ford, we want your travels to be smooth and worry-free. Get your essential pre-thanksgiving vehicle service done now, so you can focus on the important decisions, like which slice of pie to choose!
Let's shift into gear.
The Essential 6 Things to Check Right Now!
A full test of your battery’s voltage, health, and cold-cranking amps. In other words, we’re checking whether it’s still got the energy to wake up no matter how early in the morning it happens to be.
Florida summers cook your battery from the inside out. Those long months of 95° heat and relentless sun quietly weaken the internal chemistry. Then the moment Plant City gets its first "cold front” (aka 58 degrees at 7am), your battery throws in the towel.
The result? A car that won’t start in the morning you decide to take it for the long run. Don’t let your holiday begin with jumper cables and regret not getting a pre-trip battery test.
A thorough check into pad thickness, rotor health, brake fluid levels and if your braking system is ready for the heavy stop-and-go traffic points.
We know that driving on I-4 during Thanksgiving week feels like participating in a slow endurance test. You spend more time tapping the brakes than accelerating, building up heat, wearing down pads, and causing brake fade at the worst possible moment.
And when that out-of-state minivan slams the brakes to stare at some random billboard just in front, you want instant stopping power, not a squeal and a prayer. Getting a good check on those brakes keeps you safe from sudden fender benders, insurance headaches, and a possible awkward conversation with your relatives during holidays.
3. Tire Pressure and Tread Depth
Make sure to measure PSI, inspect tread depth, check for dry rot, uneven wear. Your tires should be ready for everything from wet pavement to unexpected detours on your trip.
Plant City’s November temperature swings are wild, 50’s in the morning, 80’s by lunchtime. This constant fluctuation causes your tire pressure to rise and fall like a yo-yo. Underinflated tires hurt fuel economy and make them feel sluggish. Overinflated tires reduce grip. And bald tires? They’re an invitation for car skid the moment we get one of those "surprise” 3pm showers.
Good tread gives you traction. Proper PSI gives you control. And together, they give you a trouble-free ride.
4. Oil and Filters
A fresh oil change, new engine air filter, and possibly a cabin air filter check, think of it as giving your car a deep breath and a clean bloodstream before the big trip.
A long stretch on the highways drives generates heat in the engine. That means if you're oil is old, it becomes thick, gummy, and about as helpful as leftover gravy. Fresh oil keeps everything running cool, smooth, and efficient.
And the engine air filter? If it’s clogged, your engine is trying its best to breathe through a straw, not great when you're merging onto I-75 with a fully loaded vehicle. A clean filter improves power, MPG, and engine longevity.
This is the simplest thing you can do for your car and yet the most commonly forgotten.
5. Coolant and Hoses
Top off coolant, test the mixture ratio, and examine all hoses for cracks, dry rot, swelling, and leaks, because a cooling failure is the fastest way to ruin holiday plans.
Even when it’s not face-melting July, Florida engines still run hot. Sitting in holiday traffic with the AC blasting is the perfect scenario for overheated engines.
A cracked or weak radiator hose can burst suddenly, causing the temperature gauge to skyrocket into the danger zone. If you’re heading north to Georgia or the Carolinas, your coolant must also be ready for actual freezing temperatures, not something we deal with in Plant City often, but it matters on the road.
It's a simple check, which prevents tow truck rides, blown gaskets, and expensive repairs.
6. Wipers and Washer Fluid
Install fresh wiper blades, test the wiper motor, and top off washer fluid so you’re ready for rain, fog, or the great Florida insect ambush.
Sure, it might not rain every day in this season, but the highways are still loaded with bugs. One solid hit from a cloud of lovebugs can turn your windshield into an abstract painting. Without washer fluid? You’ll spend the next 50 miles peering out of a streaky, sticky mess.
Clear vision is non-negotiable, especially during early sunsets and busy travel hours. Fresh wipers make a huge difference and they’re one of the cheapest, quickest upgrades you can make before a big trip.
Let’s Get You on the Road
Listen, we know you have a thousand things to do before the big day. You need to order the turkey, find that folding table in the garage, and mentally prepare yourself for family political opinions. Let us handle automobiles.
Schedule your service with Jarrett Scott Ford today. We’ll give your vehicle a thorough inspection to ensure everything, from the belts to the battery, is ready for the long haul.
Because the only thing that should be "shaking" this Thanksgiving is that strawberry milkshake you treat yourself to after a job well done.
Happy Thanksgiving, Plant City! Drive safe, eat well, and we’ll see you at the shop.
