Top 5 tips for surviving the holiday season rush

The holiday season is now here and in full swing. Traffic is progressively getting worse which is normal for this time of the year. With that said, it's also the ideal time to go out with family and friends or to do a bit of shopping before Christmas comes around. With so many vehicles on the road here are a few tips you can consider to help you work around the holiday rush and to make sure your car is still in top condition.

This goes without saying but traffic during the holiday season will steadily get worse and worse. If you want to be on time for your events whether it be for a family gathering or something else then it's best to plan your trips and scope out the traffic situation. 

Navigation applications such as Google Maps or Waze can help you do this but only to a certain extent. They can give you a rough estimate of what time you will arrive at your destination, but do remember that the time will change depending on traffic conditions and if there are any accidents along the way. 

While you can store items inside your vehicle make sure that they are not in plain sight. If they are left out in the open where someone can easily see them from outside of the car then it's best to unload these items first before heading out. Remember to only bring the essentials with you and to keep valuables such as your mobile phone, your laptop, and cash out of the car wherever you go.

As previously mentioned, expect traffic to get worse over the holiday season. Traffic will take a toll on your vehicle with you being stuck in stop-and-go conditions and with components slowly being heat soaked. This is why it's important to take preventative measures with your car. Check the brakes, lights, oil, water, battery, air filters, gasoline, engine, and tires. 

The holiday season also brings about busier times, this is why you should also schedule your visits to the service center in advance. Planning this a week or even longer before will give you ample time to prepare and give you more time to find an alternative source of transportation in the meantime. Remember that riding-hailing applications may not be as reliable over the holidays as more people might end up using them, so it's best to make sure your car is in top condition. 

Traffic can last for hours, so it's always a good idea to keep yourself refreshed while stuck in it. This is why packing a few snacks and a few drinks can go a long way. These will not only help you overcome a tide of hunger that may occur but can also help keep you awake if you are stuck in traffic and have nowhere to pull over and rest. May it be in the city or somewhere out in the provinces. 

Just remember to pick food items that aren’t sticky and are easy to eat. You don’t want the extra hassle of having to clean up your car. Think of food items such as sandwiches and crackers, these are easy to eat and easy to store. Also, bring a bottle of water as it is the essential drink we need after all to survive. 

Whether you are in city traffic or out on a provincial road it is always important to keep your focus on the road. Minimize distractions by not checking your phone or texting while driving. Some vehicles may already have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available so why not use these features if you need to reply to someone asap? They may not be perfect, especially with Tagalog terms, but they will get the job done.