The holidays are quickly approaching, and that means it is also one of the most important times to catch up on car repairs and maintenance. While a fair share of people choose to fly if they are traveling long distances, many others opt for the much more cost-effective solution: driving. And even a cross-country road trip can be perfectly safe, with the right precautions. Here are a few things to consider before that Thanksgiving or Christmas road trip.

Don’t Put Off Major Repairs
So maybe you’re driving around with a burnt out turn signal, or — worse — telltale signs that your transmission may be on the way out. While this isn’t advisable anywhere, it can be particularly dangerous on a long trip. And it happens more than you think. In fact, a recent survey shows that as many as 77% of cars need at least some maintenance and remain un-repaired. If you hear a grinding or scraping, smell burning, feel grinding or shaking, or notice any leaking fluid, it may be time to visit transmission repair services. Transmissions repair — or even purchasing used auto transmissions for sale — is absolutely critical to keep long trips safe.

Check Your Oil!
Too many drivers put off oil changes for weeks — or even months. While it may not seem like that big of a deal, that’s just not true. In fact, running low on oil can cause serious auto problems, such as overheating and/or engine failure. Don’t know how to check? “Pull the engine oil dipstick out, wipe it with a clean rag or a paper towel and insert it back fully. Pull it out again and check the level — it should be close to the FULL mark on the dipstick,” Samarins.com advises.

In the U.S., there are approximately 87,032 auto repair companies, including transmission repair services, and the industry earns $58 billion per year. Don’t pay more than your fair share. Carefully catch up on any maintenance or major repairs before hitting the road this Thanksgiving or Christmas.