‘Tis the Season for Travel – and Trouble
The holidays bring joy, family time, and unfortunately, some of the busiest and most hazardous driving conditions of the year. Between packed highways, unpredictable weather, and distractions, it’s easy for a simple road trip to turn stressful fast. That’s why we believe preparation is everything. With some planning and a few smart habits, we can all make our holiday travels smoother and safer. So as we head into the thick of the holiday season here in Alabama, let’s go over a few holiday driving tips that can help us avoid unnecessary roadside mishaps, forego the call to our Warrior roadside assistance team and keep spirits high instead of stuck on the shoulder waiting for help.
Prepare Your Vehicle Before You Leave
Before we think about snacks and playlists, we check the essentials. Holiday travel often means long hours on the road, and that’s no time to find out our car has a weak battery or bald tires. We take a few extra minutes to inspect our vehicle from bumper to bumper.
- Check tire pressure and tread: cold air lowers pressure fast.
- Inspect the battery, especially if it’s more than three years old.
- Test the brakes for any grinding or softness.
- Top off all fluids, especially windshield washer and antifreeze.
- Make sure headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are all working.
Even better, we schedule a quick service check before hitting the highway. A little maintenance now saves a lot of frustration later.
Keep a Winter Emergency Kit in the Car
Alabama doesn’t get blizzards, but we still see icy mornings and cold nights. And being stranded with nothing but a phone charger and a bottle of water won’t cut it. We keep a small emergency kit on hand in all our vehicles, especially during the holidays.
Our go-to essentials include:
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Jumper cables
- Blanket or emergency thermal wrap
- First aid kit
- Snacks and bottled water
- Portable phone charger
- Ice scraper and small shovel
- Basic toolkit
We hope we never need it, but we’re glad it’s there just in case.
Watch Out for Holiday Hazards
The biggest holiday dangers aren’t always the obvious ones. It’s not just snow or flat tires—it’s distracted drivers, late-night fatigue, and surprise road closures. We stay sharp and adjust our expectations. That means giving ourselves extra time and choosing rest over rushing.
We also avoid peak travel times when possible. The day before Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve afternoon, and New Year’s Day morning are all notorious for traffic snarls and increased accidents. Leaving early or driving on the actual holiday can actually be the safest option.
Stay Calm and Plan for the Unexpected
We’ve all seen someone pulled over with hazard lights blinking while cars whiz by. It happens. Even when we plan well, things can go wrong. That’s why we always have a backup plan and we stay calm when we need to use it.
Got a flat in the middle of nowhere? Don’t panic, just call our Warrior roadside assistance team and wait in the car with doors locked. Sliding on black ice? Slow down, keep the wheel steady, and ease back into control. Getting through the holidays is all about being smart, staying flexible, and never letting frustration take the wheel.
Weil Wrecker: Warrior Roadside Assistance You Can Count On
At Weil Wrecker, we’re proud to offer reliable Warrior roadside assistance all across Alabama, especially during the busy holiday season. We know that no one wants to spend their holidays stuck on the roadside, but if you do, you’ll want help that arrives fast, knows the roads, and treats you like family.
Our Warrior roadside assistance crew is here when the unexpected happens, whether it’s a dead battery, flat tire, lockout, or a car that just won’t go. You can count on:
- Fast response times. even during peak travel days
- Local knowledge of Warrior and the surrounding areas
- 24/7 availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Honest, upfront pricing with no surprises
We’ve helped numerous of drivers get back on the road, and we’re ready to help you too. So this holiday season, drive smart, stay prepared, and remember: if you need us, our Warrior roadside assistance team is just a call away.
FAQ
What should I do if my car breaks down during a long trip?
Stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on, turn on hazard lights, and call for roadside help. If safe, move the car to the shoulder or out of traffic.
How can I tell if my battery might fail during cold weather?
Slow engine cranking, dim lights, and trouble starting are early signs. Get your battery tested if it’s older than three years.
Is it safe to drive long distances with a warning light on?
It depends on the light. A check engine light could mean a range of issues. It’s best to stop and check the manual or call a mechanic for advice.
How often should I check my tire pressure in winter?
Cold weather lowers pressure fast. Check it every two weeks or before any long drive to prevent blowouts or poor handling.
What’s the best way to avoid fatigue during holiday road trips?
Take breaks every two hours, switch drivers if possible, and avoid driving late at night. Caffeine helps temporarily but rest is better.
What are the most forgotten items in emergency car kits?
Drivers often forget extra phone chargers, blankets, and basic tools like a wrench or tire pressure gauge. Add these before hitting the road.
