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Oil Change
An oil change before your holiday travel may prevent you from spending your holiday on the side of the interstate

On the road again

Car maintenance makes good first course to successful Thanksgiving holiday

 November 25, 1997
Web posted at: 4:24 p.m. EST (2124 GMT)

(CNN) -- Lower gas prices this year will likely put more people on the road for the Thanksgiving holiday. AAA estimates 27.2 million Americans will drive this holiday -- up three percent over last year.

But are you ready? Better yet, is your car ready? Before you take off for grandmother's house -- or wherever you're headed -- have a reputable mechanic give your car a thorough check-up.

David Solomon, author of "The Nutz And Boltz Automotive Survival Guide" says the check-up is a good idea even if you drive everyday -- low-mileage commuters are more likely to have car trouble when they head out on a longer road trip.

"The people who do the short trip driving to and from work, that are less than 10 miles to and from the store, wind up putting the major amount of wear and tear on the engine and those are the ones that end up having most of the problems when they do go out on the road," Solomon says.


Tell us about your Thanksgiving travel plans on our holiday message boards!

What to do? Here's a check list:

  • Flush out dirt from your engine with an oil change.

  • Get a once-over on parts like the brakes and the timing belt.

  • Have the fluids checked -- brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid.

  • Check the tires.

  • Check the battery.

  • Before heading out into the elements, coat your windshield, headlights, and side mirrors with a water repellant.

  • Protect your car from road salt build-up by washing it as soon as possible after traveling on salt-treated roads.

Based on a report from CNN's Business and Travel and Beyond. The segment appears Monday through Friday on Daybreak at 5:30 AM (ET) and on Early Edition at 7 AM (ET). BT&B also airs Sundays on the World Today at 10 PM (ET).

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