Last week one prominent auto club published a piece indicating that they anticipate that they will come to the rescue of more than 1.4 million stranded motorists during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. That’s a lot of tow trucks, drivers, batteries, spare tires, and jump starts. Instead, we’d like to give you a little insight into the types of automotive issues that generally leave holiday shoppers and travelers stranded – so that you can take care of them before you leave and not become a part of this statistic.

Dead car batteries will be one of the leading causes of dead cars in shopping mall parking lots this year. Arizona, don’t think that this does not apply to you. The summer heat could have taken a bigger toll on your car than the cold weather that our neighbors up north deal with. Even if your battery is relatively new, lift the hood and take a look at the battery terminals and cables. Clean away any corrosion and make sure the connections are secure.

Another culprit? Tires. Cooler weather reduces tire inflation pressures. Check your tire pressure before you leave home. While you’re down there, look for uneven wear, bulges, and damage. We know the last thing you want to shop for this time of year is a new set of tires, but that’s much more fun than standing by the side of a road or in a parking lot wishing that your tire wasn’t flat. Since tires are on your mind, take a look at your spare. The only thing worse than having a blow out is to find that your spare tire is flat too.

Belts and hoses often choose the most inopportune time to go, so beat them at their game! Check belts for cracks and fraying edges. Look for hoses that appear worn, dried out, or bulging. Look for leaks around the hose clamps on both ends.

Regardless of how well you take care of your car, make sure you have an emergency plan in place. Do you know who you will call? Do you have a cell phone charger in case your cell battery is running low? Do you have a “favorite” towing company? Where will you have the tow truck take you car? Do the thinking and planning while you are in the comfort of your home and your mind is not clouded with stress.

Not really interested in doing all this for yourself? We have a special holiday gift to our friends in Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, and the surrounding area – a FREE holiday trip inspection. Visit our website or Facebook page for more details. Happy Holidays and Safe Travels!