Getting ready to hit the road for the holidays is as hectic as it is exciting. A great deal of packing, planning, and organization goes into ensuring you have everything you need and want for the duration of your excursion. Despite your anticipation, don’t neglect to place as much importance on making sure your vehicle is in top condition and prepared for the trip. It’s impossible to predict everything that can go wrong with a vehicle, but you can certainly increase the likelihood of an incident-free road trip by taking a few preventative steps to ensure your vehicle is ready.

If you haven’t already, make sure your car is up to date on all manufacturer-scheduled maintenance. The vehicle owner’s manual will describe each service that should be performed for your particular vehicle model at different mileage stages. Also, have a certified mechanic look at any irregular noise or shaking before you hit the road.

You and your vehicle rely heavily on tires to not only get you from point A to B, but also to help keep you safe on the road. Underinflated or overinflated tires can hurt gas mileage and are more prone to blowouts that can leave you stranded. Make sure the air pressure in each tire reaches the exact recommended inflation level and inspect the tread for wear. Any unevenness or baldness is cause for concern and should be inspected by a tire specialist. If your trip involves snowy or mountainous terrain, have snow tires or snow chains ready in advance and know the procedure for using them.

Next, check under the hood for battery condition and proper fluid levels. Add or change oil as needed and check acceptable levels of coolant, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid, if you have it. Inspect the terminals connected to the vehicle’s battery and make sure they are free of corrosion. If you don’t know the age or condition of your battery, it’s a good idea to have it tested at an auto repair shop and replaced if necessary.

Waiting until the last minute to make sure your vehicle is travel-ready can delay or ruin your planned trip. Check the maintenance schedule for your vehicle, tires and under the hood days before your departure to avoid setbacks in case maintenance is necessary. Finally, relax and rest assured that you have adequately prepared for a safe and trouble-free vacation.