With the holiday season approaching, you may find yourself traveling on busier roads and in unfamiliar or dangerous driving conditions. Taking care of small vehicular hiccups before you hit the road can lower your risks of an accident.

Here are several ways to lower your risk while traveling this holiday season:

• Replace windshield wipers that are over six months old — Windshield wipers wear over time. Keeping fresh wipers on your vehicle means better visibility when driving through wet or icy conditions. Set reminders on your calendar to replace old wipers every six months.
• Check your fluids — Make sure to monitor, and change or top-off if necessary, all crucial vehicular liquids: coolant, oil, wiper fluid, and brake fluid. These fluids keep your vehicle performing well and may not only help you avoid accidents or breakdowns, but may also increase the longevity of your vehicle.
• Keep windows clean — Be sure to clean the inside and outside of all vehicle windows to ensure visibility is at its peak when traveling on unfamiliar roads or in inclement weather.
• Check all of your lights — Make sure your brake lights, blinkers, and headlights are all properly working before hitting the road to ensure you have visibility on the road, other drivers are able to see you, and to relieve the risk of tickets.
• Check your tires — Ensure all of your tires are properly inflated, including your spare, and that your tires have enough tread. To test your tread, insert a penny with Lincoln’s head pointed down into the center of your tire. If the top of your tread is even with the top of Lincoln’s head, your tires are unsafe and should be changed.
• Make sure you’re covered — Before hitting the road, make sure you’re properly insured, and have all necessary documentation in your vehicle including proof of insurance and your vehicle’s registration.

Knowing your risks and eliminating as many as you can before hitting the road this holiday season will lower your chances of breakdowns, accidents, and other travel mishaps. Have a wonderful holiday season and stay safe!