We are days away from many of you loading up your family and flying or driving to your family’s holiday get together. No matter what the distance, it is important to safe on the roads this year. After all, you do not want to put your family in a bad situation.

 Here are a few simple tips to make your arrival smooth and without any kind of incident.

• Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained. Check the oil, tires and fluids.
• Plan ahead. Know your route and then make and alternate route just in case there is an accident or some type of road work that will delay you from your destination.
• Consider giving yourself extra time. This will make the trip more enjoyable for everyone involved.
• Keep any gifts or valuables in the trunk of the car or out of site. When you park in a gas station parking lot or restaurant to stretch your legs, you want what is yours to stay yours.
• Remind your small children about stranger danger. Go with them to restrooms and consider equipping them with a whistle in case the family gets separated.
• Have your roadside assistance info and insurance information handy in case you need it.  Hopefully, you will not.
• In case of an emergency, keep an extra cell phone cord with you at all times.
• Put an extra bag in your car with blankets, water, sand and a small mini-shovel in case you need it.

  Here are 5 things you can do to get your car ready at any time of year.

1. Check tires - Inspect Tire Tread. Look for wear and tear. You can use a quarter and put “Washington’s head” in your tire tread and if you can see anything in between the thread and his head, that means you probably need new tires. The tread should cover part of President Washington’s head.
2. Check tire pressure when it is cold. Look in your owner’s manual or inside the driver’s door jam to look for the proper inflation pressure. This will give you the best ride, maximize your fuel and that your car handles like the manufacturer intended it.
3. Inspect your wiper blades. This helps you see the road ahead. Turn the wipers on and put a little wiper fluid on. If you see streaking or lines, it is time to replace them. Some people suggest you wipe them with rubbing alcohol and then do the test again. Life expectancy on wipers is 6-months depending on where you live in the country.
4. Don’t forget the wiper fluid. Make sure it will stay liquid in freezing temperatures.
5. Inspect your battery. Make sure there is no corrosion on the battery. Baking soda will remove any corrosion. Make sure your connections are solid. Tighten the clamps yourself or take it to your local auto shop. Batteries last 4 - 4 ½ years on average.

  Have a safe and uneventful holiday trip.   Keeping you protected,   Rick   All Access Insurance in Littleton, CO,  who represents multiple insurance companies as a “Broker” and provides products for auto, car, home, house, antique car, classic car, commercial, business, workers compensation, life, motorcycle, renters, ATV and RV insurance.   Call us today for a free quote at (303) 932-1700