The holidays are almost here, and families around Spartanburg and Greenville are getting ready for road trips across Upstate South Carolina. A breakdown on I-85 or halfway to the coast can quickly ruin those plans and drain your budget. A little preventive maintenance before you travel can keep things stress-free. At TLC Motors in Moore, we have spent over 30 years helping local drivers make sure their vehicles are road-trip ready for the fall and holiday season.

Why Holiday Travel Demands Extra Vehicle Preparation

Holiday travel puts unique demands on your vehicle. You're likely carrying more passengers, hauling extra luggage, and driving longer distances than usual. Cold weather can also stress critical systems like your battery and tires. According to AAA, millions of Americans will experience roadside emergencies during the holiday season, many of which could have been prevented with basic maintenance checks.

Whether you're driving a used truck, used SUV, or sedan from our lot or any other dealership, these five maintenance tips will help ensure your vehicle is ready for whatever the holiday season throws at it.

1. Check Your Tires: Tread Depth, Pressure, and Spare

Your tires are literally where the rubber meets the road, making them your first line of defense for travel safety. Cold fall temperatures cause tire pressure to drop, reducing fuel efficiency and potentially creating dangerous handling issues.

What to check:

1. Tread depth: Use the penny test. Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, it's time for new tires.
2. Tire pressure: Check when tires are cold and inflate to the manufacturer's recommended PSI (found on the driver's door jamb).
3. Spare tire: Do not forget to verify your spare is properly inflated and in good condition.

For families in Greer or Simpsonville planning longer trips, proper tire maintenance is not optional. It is essential for highway safety during holiday season travel.

2. Test Your Battery Before Cold Weather Strikes

Nothing kills a holiday travel plan faster than a dead battery in a restaurant parking lot 100 miles from home. Car batteries typically last 3–5 years, but extreme temperatures, both hot summers and cold winters, accelerate wear.

What to do:

1. Take advantage of free battery testing offered by many auto parts stores and dealerships.
2. Have your battery tested before any major trip, especially if it is more than three years old.
3. Check for corrosion on battery terminals and ensure all connections are tight.

If you're considering upgrading to a more reliable used vehicle before the holidays, TLC Motors provides a multi-point vehicle inspection on the majority of our inventory, including thorough battery and electrical system checks. With 1,200+ vehicles sold annually, we've learned that battery reliability is one of the top concerns for holiday travelers.

3. Change Your Oil and Check All Fluids

Oil is your engine's lifeblood, and neglecting oil changes is one of the fastest ways to damage your vehicle. If you're nearing your recommended oil change interval, take care of it before your holiday road trip, not during.

Essential fluids to check:

1. Engine oil
2. Coolant or antifreeze
3. Brake fluid
4. Power steering fluid
5. Windshield washer fluid

Low or dirty fluids can lead to breakdowns during the worst possible moments. If you're not comfortable checking these yourself, any reputable auto dealer or car lot in the Moore area can perform a basic fluid inspection.

4. Inspect Your Brakes: Safety Can't Wait

Brakes are your vehicle's most critical safety system, especially during holiday travel when highways are crowded and weather conditions can be unpredictable across the Upstate South Carolina region.

Warning signs you need brake service:

1. Squealing or grinding noises when braking
2. Vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal
3. Pulling to one side when braking
4. Brake pedal feels soft or spongy
5. Brake warning light is illuminated

Do not gamble with brake safety during peak travel season. If you notice any of these signs, have your brakes inspected immediately. At TLC Motors, our vehicle reconditioning process includes comprehensive brake inspections because we know your family's safety depends on it.

5. Test Wipers, Lights, and Defrosters

Visibility is everything when you're navigating holiday traffic or dealing with fall weather conditions. These often-overlooked systems can make the difference between safe arrival and a dangerous situation.

Before you leave:

1. Windshield wipers: Replace if they're streaking, skipping, or torn. Fall weather means more rain, and you need clear visibility.
2. All lights: Test headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. Have someone walk around your vehicle while you test each system.
3. Defroster: Make sure both front and rear defrosters work properly. Fogged windows are dangerous and illegal.

These simple checks take just a few minutes but can prevent serious safety issues during your holiday season road trips through Greenville, Simpsonville, or beyond

The TLC Motors Advantage: Travel with Confidence

If you're worried your current vehicle will not make it through another holiday season, now is the perfect time to explore the used cars, used trucks, and used SUVs at TLC Motors. With our high-volume, low-markup pricing model, moving 1,200+ vehicles annually, we deliver the best prices, period.

Plus, with guaranteed financing approval regardless of your credit situation, you do not have to let credit challenges keep you from safe, reliable transportation this holiday season. Our 20+ lenders compete for your loan, ensuring you get approved even if other dealerships have turned you down.

Don't Let Vehicle Problems Ruin Your Holidays

Do not let vehicle problems ruin your holidays. Get your car road-trip ready or upgrade to a reliable used hybrid or SUV at TLC Motors in Moore. We serve drivers across Upstate South Carolina with quality vehicles, transparent pricing, and free delivery within 100 miles. Visit us before your next holiday trip or start your credit approval online so you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.