Unless you plan on being a Scrooge this year, you've probably got something planned for the holidays. And if you're like millions of other Americans, there's a good chance you're driving to get to those festivities. With a lot of traffic on the horizon, one company set out to discover some details about who will be on the roads. <\/p>\n
More people are ready to drive<\/strong> Of those who have chosen to use a car as their mode of transportation, nearly 80 percent will be using their own vehicles, while others will be renting. Additionally, about half of the expected drivers are going to rack up more than 400 miles round trip. About 1 in 6 will be taking on journeys of 1,000 miles or more.<\/p>\n Don't be unprepared<\/strong> "We are pleased to see that consumers are taking care to ensure their vehicles are ready to hit the road," said Mary Sheridan, Ph.D., of DMEautomotive. "Auto service centers should take note: 90 percent of these travelers plan some pre-trip vehicle prep, including oil changes, fluid and tire checks, and, for more than one-third of those driving over 600 miles, a full vehicle inspection." <\/p>\n
\nDMEautomotive recently surveyed drivers to find just how many are getting behind the wheel this holiday season. According to its report, more than one-third of people have already decided to drive to their destination, and another 16 percent haven't made the final decision but could be driving. <\/p>\n
\nIf there's one thing drivers stressed in their responses, it's that they were taking the winter weather seriously. The overwhelming majority reported that they would be investing in some type of tune-up before traveling. Some of the most important tasks include measuring tire pressure, cleaning out a car to create more space and double-checking the necessary fluids. The survey also showed that many people are using holiday travels as a reminder to get some routine maintenance done, such as getting an oil change, rotating tires or examining the spare tire. <\/p>\n