How to Avoid a Breakdown During the Holidays

The holidays should be about making memories — not waiting for a tow truck on the side of I-40. If your car hasn’t been checked in a while, even a short trip to see family can turn into an expensive hassle.

Here’s how to keep your vehicle road-trip ready and avoid surprise breakdowns this holiday season.

Start with a Pre-Trip Inspection

Think of this like a health check before your car heads into the most demanding driving of the year. A solid inspection should include:

• Battery health check

• Tire tread and pressure

• Brake inspection

• Coolant and fluid levels

• Belts, hoses, and wiper blades

• Lights and heater/defroster functions

At Independent Vehicle Service, we check all of these during a quick pre-holiday inspection — and let you know what’s good and what needs attention before it causes trouble.

Why Batteries Die More During the Holidays

Cold mornings, short trips, and long idle times with the heater on? That’s a recipe for a weak or dead battery.

If your battery is more than 3 years old, or your car cranks slowly in the morning, it’s a good idea to test it now — before the weather and your plans both freeze.

What We Check That Quick Shops Miss

Not all inspections are created equal. Chain shops may rush through checks or miss small issues that become big ones.

Our ASE-certified techs go deeper. We know the signs of:

• Failing alternators

• Leaky hoses

• Brake wear that hasn’t triggered a warning yet

• Uneven tire wear that could throw off your trip

FAQ: Q: How soon before a trip should I get my car checked?

A: Ideally 1–2 weeks before you leave. That gives you time to make any needed repairs without rushing.

Come See Us Before You Hit the Road

At Independent Vehicle Service, we’ve helped thousands of Albuquerque drivers get road-trip ready with confidence. Whether you're driving to Santa Fe or out of state, we’ll help your car make the round trip — no surprises.

📞 Call 505-247-9771 to schedule your pre-trip inspection.