Your Thanksgiving plans are in place, and you cannot wait. You and your family are headed to your in-laws for the weekend, and the kids are excited to see grandma and grandpa. You don’t want anything to get in the way of your commute, which will take several hours both ways. There will be a lot of people on the road, and you need to play it safe. To help you do so, Willoughby Hills Auto Repair lists common causes of vehicle breakdowns over this holiday weekend below so you can prevent them.
1. Battery Trouble
If you’re heading into an area with super-cold weather, your battery will slowly lose power because of the frigid temperatures. Below-freezing temps can cut your battery’s power by 30 percent or more, and many people find themselves stranded because their car battery has died. If your vehicle’s battery is older than three or four years, consider replacing it before your trip to prevent a dead battery, even if you aren’t going to a place with cold weather.
2. Engine Stalls
Many different things can cause engine performance problems. Exhaust system trouble, clogged fuel injectors, a dead fuel pump, and worn spark plugs can make your engine stall. You might not stall completely, but you could feel your vehicle lag, surge, or switch between the two while you’re driving. If you’re low on motor oil or it’s old and dirty, your engine could seize and die completely. A broken timing belt will also stall and damage your engine.
3. Overheating
No matter where you’re headed this Thanksgiving, you’re probably going to sit in traffic. If not, you’re fortunate. Many vehicles overheat when stuck in this traffic, which leaves them stranded roadside. A radiator flush and refill, as well as an oil change, can help prevent your vehicle’s engine from getting too hot while you struggle with the stop-and-go driving conditions. These two preventative maintenance services are not expensive, either.
4. Flat or Blown-Out Tire
Finally, check your tires before your Thanksgiving holiday drive. If the tread is worn down to lower than 1/16-of-an-inch, you need to get the tires replaced or risk a blowout. Check the air pressure, too, so you can fill the tires if necessary. The correct tire pressure saves you money on gas and helps prevent tire damage. Make sure your spare tire has plenty of air in it, as well, in case you need to use it. Flat tires are common over Thanksgiving.
Call Willoughby Hills Auto Repair in Willoughby Hills, OH, to schedule a service visit before your trip.