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This year, the American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that nearly 72 million Americans will travel by car during the Thanksgiving period, from Tuesday, November 26th, through Sunday, December 2nd. On the busiest travel week of the year, preparing your vehicle before embarking on your Thanksgiving trips is essential.
Before Hitting the Road
Map Your Trip
Gone are the days of printing map directions and hitting the road. With today’s navigation technology, many rely on GPS or mapping apps at the last moment. However, preparing in advance can save you from unexpected slowdowns or hazards.
Remember, taking your eyes off the road to check your GPS can significantly increase your risk of a fatal collision. By understanding your route beforehand, you’re keeping yourself, your passengers, and other drivers safe.
Road Conditions
While your smartphone GPS has real-time data on car accidents and road closures, taking notes of local road conditions resources can be helpful in instances with limited cell service.
| State Travel Information Website | Travel Information Telephone Number |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 511 |
| Alaska | 511 |
| Arizona | 511 |
| Arkansas | 1-800-245-1672 |
| California | 1-800-427-7623 |
| Colorado | 511 |
| Connecticut | 1-800-695-ROAD |
| Delaware | 511 |
| Florida | 511 |
| Georgia | 511 |
| Hawaii | 808-587-2150 |
| Idaho | 511 |
| Illinois | 1-800-452-4368 |
| Indiana | 1-800-261-ROAD |
| Iowa | 511 |
| Kansas | 511 |
| Kentucky | 511 |
| Louisiana | 511 |
| Maine | 511 |
| Maryland | 511 |
| Massachusetts | 511 |
| Michigan | 511 |
| Minnesota | 511 |
| Mississippi | 511 |
| Missouri | 1-888-275-6636 |
| Montana | 511 |
| Nebraska | 511 |
| Nevada | 511 |
| New Hampshire | 511 |
| New Jersey | 511 |
| New Mexico | 511 |
| New York | 511 |
| North Carolina | 511 |
| North Dakota | 511 |
| Ohio | 1-888-264-7623 |
| Oklahoma | 1-844-465-4997 |
| Oregon | 511 |
| Pennsylvania | 511 |
| Rhode Island | 511 |
| South Carolina | 511 |
| South Dakota | 511 |
| Tennessee | 511 |
| Texas | 1-800-452-9292 |
| Utah | 511 |
| Vermont | 511 |
| Virginia | 511 |
| Washington | 511 |
| West Virginia | 511 |
| Wisconsin | 511 |
| Wyoming | 511 |
Fuel Up
Particularly in colder areas, driving with at least half a tank of fuel or charge is essential if you are stranded somewhere overnight. If you drive an electric car, it is helpful to map out the charging stations on your route for a more efficient ride. If traveling to a more rural area, plan to take advantage of opportunities to get fuel when accessible.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Pack an emergency kit with a blanket, flashlight, water, first aid kit, and a phone charger. If you are traveling to colder areas, a snow brush, shovel, non-clumping kitty litter or sand (to safely walk near your car in an icy area), candles, and matches are necessary additions to the emergency kit.
Inspect Your Vehicle
As many auto repair shops are closed on Thanksgiving Day, it is important to check that your car works properly before your travels.
Tires
Check for proper tread depth and pressure. Tire tread channels water away from your tires, helping maintain traction and reduce hydroplaning risks. Think of worn-out sneaker soles—they’re not repairable, only replaceable. Replace tires with tread depth below 4/32“. To check on your tires’ tread, purchase a tire tread depth gauge to determine if a tire replacement is necessary.
Tire pressure, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), refers to the air volume inside your tires. Most vehicles' suggested tire pressure usually measures about 28 to 36 PSI. A tire pressure gauge, also available at many online retailers, can be used to ensure that your tires have ample pressure.
If you live or travel to an area where temperatures consistently drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, investing in winter tires can significantly help maintain traction and the tires’ grip when the roads become snow-covered or icy.
Engine and Fluids
Take note of any warning lights on your dashboard and check the battery, oil levels, coolant, antifreeze, and windshield washer fluid (if applicable, opt for one rated for freezing temperatures). Cold weather depletes these resources faster, so start your trip fully prepared.
Lights and Wipers
Confirm headlights, taillights, and wiper blades are in good working condition.
