Thanksgiving highlights the importance of auto maintenance

The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel days of the year. In fact, AAA estimates that about 38.2 million Americans will be making the trip to their destination by car this year. With the increased amount of people on the road, now is an excellent time to highlight the importance of maintenance to ensure that motorists get to their destinations easily and safely, and CBS affiliate WIBW reports there are some things all drivers should consider.

Whether it's before taking off for Thanksgiving or simply for regular upkeep, car owners should check their tires fairly often. Most importantly, keeping the tire pressure at the right level will both provide traction and reduce the chances of a blowout. Additionally, you should make sure that the spare tire is in good working order should the need ever arise to use it.

There's nothing worse than being stranded with a dead battery. Though it's a common problem, it can often sneak up on unsuspecting drivers. According to the news channel, you should make sure the terminals are both secured and free of corrosion and if not, it should be cleaned or replaced.

As a final maintenance step, you should make sure all the fluids are at the right levels. Regardless of whether or not you're traveling 10 minutes or five hours to reach your destination, things like oil and radiator coolant are crucial.

Although there is a long list of auto maintenance you can take care of yourself before you travel this holiday season, sometimes you need the help of a professional. New Jersey State Auto Auction provides motorists with an easy way to get their car looked at with its Total Car Care center. Located in Jersey City, the center is open to the public and will make sure your vehicle is running smoothly.