The holiday season has a way of making even the simplest routines feel a little busier. Between shopping trips, winter events, and traveling to see loved ones, your car ends up doing a lot of the heavy lifting. Cold weather, early sunsets, and extra miles all take a toll, so giving your vehicle a bit of seasonal attention can make every drive safer, cleaner, and less stressful.
This checklist breaks down practical steps you can take to keep your car running smoothly and looking its best throughout the holidays—inside and out.
Check Your Tire Pressure and Tread
Winter temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop quickly, sometimes by one PSI for every 10-degree temperature change. When your tires are under inflated, your car has less traction, burns more fuel, and puts more strain on the tire walls. That combination can make holiday driving more challenging than it needs to be.
Start by checking your tire pressure at least once every couple of weeks during the season. Use the pressure recommended on your vehicle’s door jamb—not the maximum listed on the tire. If you notice that one tire keeps losing air faster than the others, it may be a sign of a slow leak or valve issue worth having checked.
Tread depth is just as important. Worn tread can make it harder for your tires to grip the road, especially when you’re driving through slushy streets or wet winter conditions. If you haven’t checked your tread in a while, look for uneven wear or shallow grooves. Catching these issues early makes a big difference when holiday travel is in full swing.
Keep an Eye on Essential Fluid Levels
Your vehicle relies on several important fluids to operate safely and efficiently—especially in cold weather. As temperatures drop, fluids thicken, evaporate more slowly, and sometimes struggle to function the way they should.
Here are the main fluids worth checking as the holidays approach:
Engine oil: Cold weather affects oil viscosity, making it important to stay current on oil changes and ensure levels are where they should be. Low or old oil puts extra strain on your engine.
Coolant/antifreeze: This regulates engine temperature. Without the right coolant mix, your engine is at risk of overheating or freezing in extreme conditions.
Windshield washer fluid: Winter blends help break down salt, slush, and dirty spray from the road. Keeping this topped off ensures you always have a clear view, even after long drives or messy weather.
Brake fluid: While brake fluid doesn’t need frequent changes, low levels can impact braking responsiveness. If you notice spongy brakes or slower stopping than usual, this is an area worth checking.
These quick checks take only a few minutes but make a noticeable difference in the safety and comfort of your holiday driving.
Inspect Your Battery
Cold temperatures are tough on car batteries. As the weather drops, your battery produces less power while your car demands more of it—especially when running heaters, defrosters, and holiday accessories like GPS devices or phone chargers.
If your car is a few years old, or if you’ve noticed slow starts recently, it’s worth checking your battery’s health. Look for signs of corrosion around the terminals, loose connections, or dim headlights when the car is idling.
Most auto shops or parts stores can run a quick test to estimate remaining battery life. Catching a weak battery before it fails is one of the best ways to avoid getting stranded in cold weather or during holiday travel.
Make Sure Your Lights Are Working
Shorter days mean more time driving in the dark, and working headlights and taillights become even more important. Take a moment to make sure every light on your car is functioning properly, including:
- Headlights (both high and low beams)
- Taillights
- Brake lights
- Turn signals
- Reverse lights
If you notice your headlights look dim or hazy, they may be dirty rather than faulty. A simple cleaning can brighten them up and improve nighttime visibility. For more persistent fogging, you can look into headlight restoration options depending on the severity.
A well-lit vehicle is easier to see, safer to drive, and better equipped for busy holiday evenings.
Refresh the Interior
All the back-and-forth of the holiday season means your interior can get messy fast—crumbs from snacks between errands, pine needles from decorations, glitter from crafts or events, and general clutter that builds up without you noticing.
A quick interior refresh can make the car feel more comfortable and organized during a busy time of year. Start with a simple wipe-down of the dashboard, console, and door panels. Vacuum the seats and floor mats if you can, and take a few minutes to toss out any trash or leftover items from recent trips.
It’s also helpful to keep a few interior cleaning wipes in the car for unexpected messes. Having them on hand makes it easy to handle spills or smudges before they become bigger problems.
Give the Exterior Some Attention (Stop by for a Seasonal Clean)
Winter roads can leave a layer of salt, slush, dirt, and grime on your vehicle in a matter of days. Not only does this dull the car’s appearance—it can also affect visibility and contribute to long-term wear on the paint.
Consistent exterior cleaning helps remove buildup and keeps your vehicle looking fresh throughout the season. Stopping by for a wash is a simple way to clear away everything the road leaves behind, especially after winter weather or long stretches of holiday errands.
Regular washing also helps protect your vehicle’s finish, making it easier to maintain throughout the colder months. Whether you’re preparing for a drive across town or a longer seasonal trip, a clean exterior can make the experience more enjoyable.
Prepare for Holiday Travel
With holiday traffic, unpredictable winter weather, and crowded roads, a little preparation goes a long way. Before heading out on a seasonal trip, take a moment to make sure you have a few essentials in the car:
- Blanket or extra layer
- Ice scraper
- Phone charger
- Small tool kit
- Flashlight
- Tire pressure gauge
Checking the weather before you leave and giving yourself some extra time during peak travel days can also help reduce the stress that comes with busy seasonal driving.
Simple preparation sets you up for smoother travel and ensures you’re ready for whatever the road brings—including last-minute events or unexpected winter conditions.
The holiday season is full of movement, gatherings, and time spent on the road. Giving your car the attention it needs now helps ensure every drive feels comfortable, safe, and ready for the season ahead. From basic maintenance checks to keeping both the inside and outside clean, these steps make a noticeable difference—especially when everything gets busy.
With a little preparation and consistent care, your vehicle can handle the holidays just as well as you do. When you’re ready to take care of the exterior, stopping by for a wash is an easy way to keep your car looking its best all season long. Learn more and plan your today by finding a location near you.