Whether you’re staying with the in-laws or dining with your siblings, Thanksgiving just isn’t the same without visiting family. But while you’d gladly travel miles to see them, your car will need some encouragement along the way. To ensure you get there safely, use these auto maintenance tips before November rolls around.

3 Auto Maintenance Tips for a Thanksgiving Road Trip

1. Inspect the Tires

If temperatures are expected to be around or below freezing, you’ll want to switch to your winter or snow tires. These have a flexible tread with complex suction-based grooves, so they can grip the cold, icy asphalt.

You’ll also want to look for bald spots on your tires—areas where the tread has worn thinner than the surrounding areas. In this case, you may need to have your tires rotated or replaced.

2. Top Off the Fluids

Under the hood, your car depends on a number of fluids to function properly. Most importantly is the motor oil, which prevents the engine from overheating. To find out if you need an oil change, pull out the dipstick. If the substance is grainy and dark, it needs to be replaced.

You’ll also want to top off the transmission and brake fluid before heading out for a long drive, so you can accelerate, decelerate, and come to a full stop without issues.

3. Don’t Forget the Wipers

During a long, late fall drive, you’ll need to be prepared for whatever mother nature has in store. If it starts raining or snowing, your windshield wipers will preserve visibility on the road. Therefore, it’s important to test these parts before your road trip. If they are moving erratically or missing spots, they may need to be repaired or replaced.

Check that you have enough windshield wiper fluid under the hood, which can be used to remove dirt, dust, and leaf debris throughout your journey.

If your vehicle is due for professional service before your holiday trip, take it to L & B Auto Repair. This Brooklyn-based mechanic offers a wide range of auto maintenance services, from oil changes to tire rotations. Their team will inspect every aspect of your vehicle and use their 25 years of experience to select and perform flawless fixes. To learn more about their skills, visit their Facebook page. You can also call (718) 398-6228 to ask for an estimate.