With the holiday season just around the corner, driving home for the holidays is at the top of mind of many people, and staying safe should be your top priority. Read this post by Cam Synthetics in Concord to learn everything you need to know. 

Car maintenance is an integral part of safely driving home for the holidays. Call Cam Synthetics at (704) 791-6900 and let their oil experts suggest the best maintenance routine and products for your engine. Also, don’t forget you can place your order at AMSOIL’s online shop 24/7.

Pre-Drive Maintenance Check

When driving home for the holidays, it’s crucial to have a pre-driving maintenance checklist to ensure everything is working correctly. Some can be done on the day of the drive, but for others, it’s essential to take your time and schedule some maintenance time beforehand. Here are six essentials you should check before your next holiday drive:

• Fluid levels: Checking your engine oil and other fluids like coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid is essential to its functioning. Ensure they’re clean and at the levels your car’s manufacturer suggested.
• Engine: Keeping an eye on your engine is essential. Before driving, ensure your engine hoses are in good condition and not worn, sliced, or cracked. Also, make sure to listen to your engine while driving. If there are any unusual noises, check them before leaving.
• Air filters: These play an essential role as they prevent debris from clogging the engine. If it’s been a while since you changed them, make sure to do so to ensure proper airflow.
• Battery: If your battery is within its life cycle, it should hold enough charge to help your car run without a hitch. But if it’s been more than three years since you had a battery change and it’s starting to wear down, it’s essential to check it before leaving.
• Lights, horn, and windshield: Being safe on the road also means maintaining your car’s lights for them to light your way, your horn to ensure you can alert someone at the right moment, and your windshield shouldn’t have any cracks that prevent visibility.

 

Check the Weather Before Leaving

This time of year, the weather can be unpredictable and cause many issues for people driving home for the holidays. That’s why it’s essential to check the forecast in the week leading up to your drive. Based on this, you can make a plan to leave when it’s safe to do so. Also, check the weather before leaving if the forecast changes in the hours leading up to your trip. If so, take a moment and decide if it’s safe to go or if it’s worth making alternative plans to avoid bad weather.

Emergency Kit

An emergency kit for general emergencies and winter safety is essential to address problems you might encounter on the road. The National Safety Council suggests a kit that contains the following:

• A reflective triangle
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• A wheel wrench and a jack
• Jumper cables
• A fire extinguisher
• A first-aid kit

When driving in the winter, it’s also essential to include things in your safety kit that will keep you safe in case emergency services take a while to get to your location. In this case, you should also pack the following:

• Ice scrapers
• Flares
• A shovel
• Blankets for everyone in the vehicle
• Boots, gloves, and a warm waterproof jacket
• A backup phone battery

Choose the best products for your vehicle, like AMSOIL’s Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil, with the help of the experts at Cam Synthetics. Call them today at (704) 791-6900, and they’ll help you create a maintenance routine that works for you and your engine. Don’t forget you can place your order at AMSOIL’s online shop anytime!

The Importance of Defensive Driving

Practicing defensive driving is possible to avoid trouble on the road, especially from drivers not driving at their best. This type of driving helps you and others stay safe on the road by implementing techniques that can help you avoid unwanted situations. Defensive driving is excellent at helping you prevent fatal accidents and minor crashes. There are many places online and in person where you can take a defensive driving course, so look it up before your next drive!

We hope these tips help you when driving home for the holidays. If you have any questions about maintenance or the best products for your vehicle, don’t hesitate to call Cam Synthetics at (704) 791-6900 or visit  AMSOIL’s online shop to browse their excellent range of products.