As the holiday season approaches, you may be planning a road trip to visit friends or family. However, in addition to getting your presents and baking ready, you should also prepare your car. If you haven't done so yet, perform the following auto maintenance tasks before setting out to ensure you have a safe trip.

How Should You Prepare Your Car for a Winter Road Trip?

1. Schedule an Oil Change

Engine oil keeps your vehicle running smoothly, as it lubricates moving parts, prevents friction, and dissipates warmth to avoid overheating. Have your oil changed before any extended road trip to ensure your engine is ready. Also, use less viscous oil in the winter so it can more easily flow through the engine, even when it's cold out.

2. Put on Winter Tires

Winter tires are designed to give you better traction on wet, snowy, and icy roads. They feature softer rubber than summer tires do, so they more easily flex to meet the pavement in cold weather. They also feature wider, deeper treads to accommodate snow and slush and prevent hydroplaning. Before leaving for your trip, have a professional auto maintenance service install and balance them for you.

3. Have the Battery Tested

Winter weather can be hard on your battery, and you don't want to discover your car won't start after a cold night—especially while you're away from home. Have the battery tested to ensure it's charging fully, and invest in a new one if your current battery seems worn down.

If you need auto maintenance before traveling for the holidays, contact Dee's Auto Care Specialists in La Crosse, WI. These auto technicians have served clients throughout the Coulee region since 1936 and are renowned for their attentive customer care. They offer oil changes, wheel alignments, brake repairs, muffler replacements, and tire changes, so they’ll be able to get your car winter ready. Visit their website for a coupon, or call them at (608) 782-2530 to schedule auto maintenance.