Do you have holiday travel plans? Before you hit the road, take time to have some basic preventative maintenance performed on your vehicle. These reminders come from Continental Tire and the Rubber Manufacturers Association.

Tire Pressure - Under-inflation results in unnecessary tire stress, irregular wear, loss of control and an increased chance of accidents. You can find the correct pressure for your tires in your owner’s manual, on the gas tank lid, on the driver’s side door edge, and on the door post.

Wheel Alignment - Driving into a large pothole or hitting a curb can throw the front end of your vehicle out of alignment and even damage a tire or two. And when your wheels are misaligned your tires will wear unevenly and prematurely, shortening their service life.

Tire Rotation - By regularly rotating your tires you’ll help them wear evenly. Unless your owner’s manual suggests otherwise, have your tires rotated about every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.

Tire Tread Depth - To avoid skidding and hydroplaning on wet roads, the tread on your tires needs to be deep enough to effectively channel water away. The minimum recommended tread depth is 2/32nds of an inch.

Shock Absorbers - Worn or defective shock absorbers increase braking distance and shorten the lifetime of your tires. Ask us to inspect your shocks the next time your vehicle’s up on the lift.

Spark plugs - Dirty, old, loose or cracked spark plugs can leave you and your passengers stranded. Have all your plugs checked for wear and replaced if necessary.

Battery Cables and Connectors - That white powdery substance that can cake onto your battery terminals can prevent your car from starting. Make sure the posts are clean and that your battery cables are not cracked or frayed.

Lights - Have your headlights, tail lights, fog lamps, and turning signals checked to make sure they’re all operating.

Trouble-free travelling makes the holiday season – and every season of the year – more enjoyable and less stressful. Schedule a service appointment at any Mountain View Tire location online.