Holiday Road Trip Prep: Dottie's Check-Up Before You Go

Hi, it's Dottie. Every year around this time, the questions at the counter change. Instead of “what's that noise?” I start hearing “we're driving to Grandma's next week, will it make it?” Good news: most breakdowns give some warning if somebody looks at the right time. Here's how to make sure that somebody looks before you load up the pie and the presents.

Book It a Week or Two Before You Leave

The best time for a Road Trip Check-Up is a week or two before you go. That gives us time to order a part if something needs one, so you are not waiting on a delivery the morning you planned to leave.

Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, so the week of November 16 is the sweet spot for turkey-day travelers. Heading out for Christmas or New Year's? Aim for early to mid-December. The shop is open Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, so do not count on the Saturday before you leave.

What We Check on a Road Trip Check-Up

We go over the parts most likely to leave you on the shoulder three states away:

• Battery and charging system. Cold mornings find weak batteries fast. We test it instead of guessing.

• Tires. Tread, pressure, age and slow leaks, plus the spare.

• Brakes. Pads, rotors and how the pedal feels.

• Belts and hoses. Cracks, soft spots and anything that is wearing out.

• Fluids and the cooling system. Oil, coolant, brake and washer fluid, and antifreeze protection for a Kansas cold snap.

• Heater, lights and wipers. You want to see, be seen and stay warm.

Then we give you a plain-English rundown, sorted three ways: what is fine, what should be fixed before you go, and what can wait until you get back. Nothing gets repaired until you say so.

Your Ten-Minute Driveway Check

Whether or not you bring it to us, here is what I would do the weekend before any long drive:

1. Check tire pressure when the tires are cold. Use the number on the sticker inside the driver's door, not the one on the tire. Cold weather drops pressure, so a tire that was fine in October can be low in December.

2. Look at your tread. Put a penny in the groove with Lincoln's head pointing down. If you can see the top of his head, the tread is too thin for winter roads. Our tread depth guide explains more.

3. Walk around with the lights on. Headlights, brake lights, turn signals and hazards. Have someone press the brake while you look.

4. Top off the washer fluid with a winter blend that will not freeze, and replace wipers that streak or chatter.

5. Check the oil. If you are close to your change interval, get it done before the trip, not after.

6. Find the spare, the jack and the lug wrench. Make sure the spare has air.

Pack a Kansas Winter Kit

Kansas weather can change between breakfast and the county line. Keep these in the car from now until spring:

• A warm blanket, gloves and a hat

• A phone charger and a flashlight

• Jumper cables

• An ice scraper and a small shovel

• A bag of sand or cat litter for traction

• Water and a few snacks

Try to keep the gas tank at least half full in cold weather, too. If you get stuck in traffic or a storm, you will be glad you did.

If Something Comes Up on the Road

A light comes on halfway to Wichita, or the car starts making a new noise. Our warning light guide explains what each symbol means, and Can I keep driving it? helps you decide whether to pull over. You can also text the shop at (620) 416-0008 with a photo or a short video, and we will tell you straight.

Most repairs we do carry the NAPA 24/24 nationwide warranty, good for 24 months or 24,000 miles, so a covered repair done here can be taken care of at a participating shop away from home.

“Check the spare, and make sure the jack is really in the trunk. It is the one tire nobody remembers until they need it.” — Dottie

If the spare is flat or the jack has gone missing, tell us when you book, and we can sort it out during your check-up.

Short on Time Before the Holidays?

We can pick up your car or truck for free within 40 miles of the shop and bring it back when it is done, so you can keep packing. Book online, or call or text (620) 416-0008 and tell us when you are leaving. We will take it from there.

Safe travels, and happy holidays from all of us at Moxie.