Traveling to visit family and friends is a responsibility for many throughout the holiday-packed months, especially for Thanksgiving. Before you hit the open road, however, you need to make sure your vehicle is in top condition, and that's where the NAPA AutoCare® Center professionals at Wentzville, MO's H & S Tire & Auto Center can help. To help their customers get through the holidays as safely as possible, they have a few tips for all Thanksgiving travelers.

To get your car ready for the trip, you should:

• Have Your Oil Inspected: If you're running behind on your regularly scheduled oil change, now is the time to take your car to a NAPA AutoCare Center for inspection. Oil changes and filter replacements are essential routine maintenance tasks, making you less likely to run into serious problems during your travels. Don't forget to top up your gas, too. Keep your fuel above half a tank at all times for the most reliable performance. 
• Maintain Your Tires: No matter how old your tires are, you should check the level of wear and tear to make sure they're suitable for long periods of driving. Proper tire pressure is also crucial, as under-inflation leads to a decrease in fuel economy. 
• Prepare an Emergency Kit: The most thorough of preparations in the world can't account for unexpected emergencies, so make the appropriate provisions in advance. Stay ahead of the worst the road can throw at you with a fully stocked car emergency kit, including first-aid items, reflective warning triangles, a multipurpose utility tool, a flashlight, and any other useful gear you can squeeze in there.

As we approach the tail end of the year, roads are more crowded and dangerous than ever, so remain vigilant, slow down, and increase your follow distance in poor weather conditions. Count on your Centaurus County NAPA AutoCare Center by calling H & S Tire & Auto Center at (636) 327-5225 to schedule a free estimate. Head to their website to learn more about their services and 70-plus years of automotive experience.