Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with 57% of Americans planning a trip and millions hitting the road. Unfortunately, with heavy traffic comes an uptick in roadside events that can derail your holiday plans.
While you can’t always predict when a car breakdown will occur, a little preparation can significantly reduce the odds of trouble on the road. Here are some essential tips every car enthusiast should keep in mind before setting off on a Labor Day adventure.
Plan Your Travel Times Wisely
Timing is everything. During Labor Day weekend, hitting the road early is the best strategy to avoid gridlock and slowdowns. Aim to leave before 11 a.m. – the earlier the better. Traffic congestion tends to peak around 3 p.m. and doesn’t ease until after 7 p.m. If you must travel later, consider evening hours instead of midday.
Be sure to check road conditions using traffic apps, local news, and state DOT updates for real-time insights to plan your route effectively. Additionally, holiday weekends often see an increase in risky driving behaviors, such as speeding and aggressive lane changes. Remember that staying alert behind the wheel is just as important as beating the traffic.
Perform Pre-Drive Inspections
A few quick checks before your trip can help prevent common issues, such as flat tires, overheating, or a dead battery. Think of it like a pre-flight checklist for your car:
Tires: Check pressure, tread depth, and look for cuts or bulges. Make sure your spare is in good condition.
Battery: Inspect the terminals for corrosion, ensure the battery is securely mounted, and consider a quick test if it’s older or you’re taking a longer trip.
Fluids: Verify the levels of oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
Lights and signals: Confirm that headlights, brake lights, hazards, and turn signals work correctly.
Brakes: Ensure the pedal feels firm and listen for any grinding or squealing.
Belts and hoses: Scan for cracks, leaks, or signs of fraying under the hood.
These checks take just minutes but can save hours of hassle on the road.
Stock an Emergency Kit
More than half of U.S. drivers experience a roadside event every year, according to Agero research. That makes an emergency kit less of a luxury and more of a necessity.
Some must-have items to include are:
Safety and repair essentials like jumper cables, a spare tire, a jack, a lug wrench, flares or reflective triangles, and a flashlight with spare batteries.
Basic tools such as a tire pressure gauge, tire sealant or patch kit, duct tape, and a small tool kit.
Survival supplies include a first-aid kit, blankets, water, nonperishable snacks, and a backup phone charger.
Documentation such as copies of your auto insurance, registration, and roadside assistance details.
Even if you never need it, the peace of mind that comes with having an emergency kit is worth the space in your trunk.
Know How To Respond to Car Trouble
If car trouble occurs, how you respond matters. The key is to stay safe, visible, and connected.
First, pull over safely to the right shoulder or nearest exit, as far from traffic as possible. Next, stay visible by turning on your hazard lights and setting out reflective triangles, if available. Stay with your vehicle (if it’s safe to do so), call for assistance, and remain inside until help arrives. Approximately 85% of drivers have roadside coverage (through their insurance, vehicle warranty, credit card, or cell phone carrier), yet only 18% actually utilize it. Many don’t realize it also covers driveway breakdowns, dead batteries, and lockouts. Understand your existing coverage and what it offers.
For the fastest response, request service through your provider’s mobile app (ensure you’ve downloaded it so you can easily request help when needed). This not only speeds up arrival times but can also save you from steep emergency fees.
A Hassle-Free Holiday
For travelers and car enthusiasts, Labor Day weekend is about enjoying the open road. But before you load up the vehicle and hit the highway, ask yourself one question: Is my car ready for the journey, and do I have a plan for roadside assistance? While car issues can happen, a little planning and simple maintenance can go a long way in saving you time, money, and frustration – and have you cruising carefree through the holiday.
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