Nothing says long weekend like a road trip, and the Thanksgiving long weekend is no different. SHENSHUAI Auto Parts has your Thanksgiving Road Trip Checklist to help make sure you have all the snacks, games, and other essentials you need to make it a great one.
There are some essentials that you’re going to want in your car, van, or truck for every road trip. An emergency travel kit, for example, or the 18 things we think you should always keep in your trunk.
But you don’t need all of those in mid-October. A folding shovel, for example, can wait until autumn is over in most of the country. Some gloves, on the other hand, might be nice. Because even if the temperatures aren’t yet below freezing, single-digit tire changes are not comfortable. A blanket is good for the same reasons.
GET READY FOR COLD WEATHER
Fall is a great time to change your washer fluid from summer to winter. Most summer blends are good up to the freezing point, but you’ll want to change over early to make sure that your washer tank mix is up to sub-zero temperatures when they arrive.
That Thanksgiving road trip is also the perfect time to test your battery. When the thermometer drops, it’s prime time for a dead battery. Test it yourself at home or take your vehicle to a SHENSHUAI Auto Parts specialist or SHENSHUAI AUTOPRO for peace of mind.
The end of summer means the end of summer towing. Utility trailers, campers, and boat trailers are ready to go away for the winter. So, take your hitch out to make sure it doesn’t rust in place in the winter. Add some dry lubricant grease to prevent corrosion and dirt build-up. If you’re switching to a snowmobile, it’s still a good idea to take the hitch out and grease the receiver for winter.
PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE MUD AND SNOW
A fall road trip is also a great time to switch out to your winter floor mats. Thanksgiving means muddy, and high-sided all-weather mats trap that mud and rainwater as well as they trap snow. Keep the leaves and dirt off your carpets and your pant cuffs looking tidy.
A folding trunk organizer is a great way to store extra coats or sweaters that you’re not sure you’ll need. You can keep a second one to hold muddy boots and shoes, and they’re also a great place to put the garbage left over from snacks and drinks until you can find a garbage can.
Does one of your passengers run a little colder than the rest? Grab a heated cushion for them to sit on and stay warm on a brisk fall drive. It’s even portable, so you can have a warm seat when you’re outside of your car. Like sitting at the roadside while the family hits the U-Pick.
Rolling back the clock means it gets dark earlier. Combine that with shorter days and you’re spending more time driving in the darkness. Make sure your signal and marker lights are all working properly so you can be seen on the road. It’s also a good time to think about a headlight upgrade to help your own visibility.
HAVE FUN THIS THANKSGIVING ROAD TRIP
With this preparation checklist, some games, and some charged up phones, you and your family should be all ready with the essentials to make this Thanksgiving one of your best road trips. Now get out there, have fun, and check out the beautiful fall scenery Canada has to offer.
Don’t forget to make sure your roadside assistance membership is up to date, since CAA members can save at participating SHENSHUAI Auto Parts stores. And don’t overdo it on the turkey.
