Before you potentially hit the open road to visit family for Thanksgiving, Mr. Transmission and Milex Complete Auto Care have some tips to keep your family safe this holiday season.
As COVID-19 numbers spike throughout the United States, Americans are changing their typical Thanksgiving travel plans and creating new traditions. Many states are limiting the number of people allowed to gather in one place to help flatten the curve, and the Centers for Disease Control recommends families enjoy virtual Thanksgiving celebrations. If people do choose to celebrate with family, the CDC recommends eating outdoors, wearing masks, and frequent handwashing. The American Automobile Association estimates a decrease in Thanksgiving travel of 9.7 percent as more people stay at home.
While 2020 marks the first time in 11 years that fewer people will travel for Thanksgiving, 50.6 million people will still leave home to enjoy turkey dinner with family. An increasing number of holiday travelers are planning to drive for safety reasons and flexibility, according to AAA.
Thanksgiving is usually one of the busiest weeks for airport travel in the United States. Last year, more than 4.6 million people were expected to take a flight home for the holiday. Yet, air travel for Thanksgiving this year is expected to drop by nearly half, with only 2.4 million people booking flights to fly home for the holiday. More people will also be motivated to hit the road this year with the average gas price nearly 50 less per gallon than a year ago.
Make sure to pack your elastic waist pants so you can enjoy the Thanksgiving feast and follow the advice of our automotive experts to have a safe holiday enjoying the company of your family and friends. Car care experts with Mr. Transmission and Milex Complete Auto Care have tips for travelers preparing to be on the road this holiday season.
Know Before You Go. Research the state and local regulations along your route and at your planned destination to learn about any travel restrictions that may be in place.
Pack a Safety Kit. Create a safety kit that includes face masks, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, and a thermometer to help protect and monitor your health.
Bring Snacks. Consider packing a cooler with water and snacks to reduce the number of stops during your trip.
Lather, Rinse, Repeat. Make sure to wash your hands frequently. Use hand sanitizer every time you enter the car. This is an especially important practice after stopping for a bathroom break or filling the car with gas.
Keep Car Germ-Free. Use disinfecting wipes to frequently clean common touchpoints, such as the steering wheel, door handles, seat belts, key fobs, window buttons, radio and climate control buttons, and more. According to a survey by CarRentals.com, there are roughly 700 different strains of bacteria living in the average vehicle, and the average steering wheel is four times dirtier than a public toilet seat.
Prepare Your Car.AAA expects it will have to rescue at least 413,000 people on the roads this Thanksgiving when their cars break down or they get a flat tire. Prior to any long road trip, it is important to check each of the car’s vital engine fluids, such as transmission, coolants, braking, and steering. If it has been more than 3,000 miles since your car’s engine oil has been replaced, make sure to get it done before heading out. Check your vehicle’s battery — most have a lifespan of four to five years. Air filters need to be changed every 15,000 miles, and tires should be properly inflated to improve gas mileage
Get your car ready for Thanksgiving travel by visiting the nearest Milex Complete Auto Care or Mr. Transmission location, where the experts can help ensure you have a safe holiday road trip.
A contact us form.
As summer winds down and the back-to-school season begins, many families find themselves spending more time on the road. Whether you're driving children to school, commuting to work, shuttling students to extracurricular activities, or sending a college student back to campus, your vehicle is about to see an increase in daily use. Before your schedule […]
Vehicle technology has advanced rapidly over the past decade, and one of the most significant changes has occurred in a component many drivers rarely think about until there's a problem—the transmission. Modern transmissions are more sophisticated, efficient, and technologically advanced than ever before. While these innovations help improve fuel economy, performance, and driving comfort, they […]
Summer road trips are one of the best parts of the season. Whether you’re planning a beach getaway, visiting family, or taking a long summer road trip, your vehicle will likely spend extended time on the road. At Mr. Transmission, we often see drivers experience transmission trouble during or shortly after a long trip because […]
As temperatures rise, most drivers think about keeping their engine cool—but your transmission is just as vulnerable to heat, especially during the summer months. In fact, excessive heat is one of the leading causes of transmission damage. Understanding how hot weather impacts your vehicle can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your car running […]
When your vehicle starts showing signs of transmission trouble, one of the first decisions you’ll face is where to take it for service. While dealerships may seem like the default choice, many drivers are discovering that specialized shops like Mr. Transmission offer a better overall experience—especially when it comes to standards, transparency, and warranty protection. […]
If your vehicle has crossed the 100,000-mile mark, you’re not alone. In fact, at Mr. Transmission, the average mileage we see is around 128,000 miles—and counting. Thanks to improved vehicle engineering, it’s more common than ever for cars to stay on the road well beyond 150,000 miles. But with higher mileage comes a greater need […]
Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) have become increasingly common in today’s vehicles—especially in popular brands like Nissan and Honda. While CVTs offer smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency, they also require specialized knowledge and care when problems arise. At Mr. Transmission, we are the experts in CVT transmission repair, maintenance, and replacement. If you drive a […]
February is often associated with showing a little extra love—and while flowers and chocolates are nice, there’s another relationship that deserves attention: the one you have with your car. Your vehicle works hard for you every day, and one of the most important ways to return the favor is through transmission care. At Mr. Transmission, […]
As the New Year begins, many people focus on building better habits—health goals, financial planning, and home organization often top the list. But one area that’s just as important to your daily life is often overlooked: your vehicle’s maintenance routine. January is the perfect time to reset, refresh, and create a car care plan that […]
When temperatures drop and holiday road trips pick up, your vehicle’s transmission is under more stress than at any other time of the year. Cold weather thickens transmission fluid, makes seals contract, and can even cause delayed or harsh shifting on those early-morning starts. If you’re planning to travel this winter—or simply want to keep […]
1-800-581-8468