Your Thanksgiving driving preparation checklist starts here! Superior Synthetics LLC helps Wisconsin families travel safely with AMSOIL's winter-tested reliability solutions.
The holidays are approaching, and Wisconsin families are preparing for Thanksgiving road trips across the state and beyond. Whether driving to Green Bay for a family dinner or heading to Minnesota to visit relatives, your vehicle must perform flawlessly during one of the year's busiest travel periods. Following a comprehensive Thanksgiving driving preparation checklist ensures your family arrives safely and returns home without costly breakdowns or dangerous roadside emergencies.
Wisconsin's unpredictable November weather presents unique challenges for holiday travelers. One day might bring mild temperatures and clear roads, while the next delivers freezing rain, snow, or sudden temperature drops that can stress your vehicle's critical systems. Thus, your Thanksgiving driving preparation checklist should address these harsh Midwest conditions with proven solutions that protect your engine, transmission, and other vital components.
Your engine works hardest during extended highway driving and stop-and-go holiday traffic. Plus, cold Wisconsin mornings followed by hours of highway heat create extreme temperature swings that conventional oils struggle to handle. AMSOIL Signature Series Motor Oil provides superior protection across these temperature extremes, maintaining consistent viscosity whether you're starting your cold engine in Madison or cruising through Milwaukee's holiday traffic jams.
This includes checking your oil level and condition on every Thanksgiving driving preparation checklist. Dark, thick oil or low levels signal immediate attention needed before your trip. AMSOIL's extended drain intervals mean you're likely protected, but verification prevents holiday disasters. The synthetic formulation resists thermal breakdown during long drives while providing instant lubrication during cold starts.
Holiday driving often involves heavy loads from luggage, gifts, and extra passengers. Your transmission faces increased stress during these conditions, especially when combined with cold-weather operation. AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid ensures smooth shifting and prevents costly transmission failures during your holiday travels.
If you drive an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle, don't overlook your differential and transfer case. Wisconsin's sudden weather changes might require AWD engagement, and AMSOIL Severe Gear Synthetic Gear Lube provides the protection these components need during demanding holiday driving conditions.
Your cooling system prevents overheating during highway driving while protecting against freeze damage during overnight stops at relatives' homes. A proper Thanksgiving driving preparation checklist includes checking coolant levels and freeze protection ratings. AMSOIL Antifreeze and Engine Coolant provides reliable protection down to -34°F while offering superior heat transfer compared to conventional coolants.
Test your thermostat operation and inspect hoses for cracks or soft spots that could lead to roadside failures. Holiday driving often includes routes you don't regularly travel, making breakdowns particularly inconvenient and potentially dangerous.
Holiday traffic increases your brake system demands through frequent stops, hill descents, and emergencies. Wisconsin's winter conditions make brake reliability even more critical for safe family travel. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 Synthetic Brake Fluid maintains consistent performance across temperature extremes while resisting moisture absorption that can cause brake fade.
Check brake fluid levels and color - dark or contaminated fluid requires immediate replacement before your trip. Inspect brake pads for adequate thickness and listen for grinding sounds that indicate worn components.
Cold weather and potentially lower-quality fuel at unfamiliar gas stations along your route can cause fuel system problems. AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver Gasoline Additive cleans fuel injectors, removes deposits, and improves combustion efficiency. Adding this to your tank before holiday trips ensures optimal fuel system performance throughout your journey.
Consider keeping AMSOIL Quickshot in your emergency kit for small engines, like generators, you might need during weather-related power outages at your destination.
Every comprehensive Thanksgiving driving preparation checklist includes emergency supplies specific to Wisconsin's winter conditions. Pack warm blankets, extra clothing, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, jumper cables, and basic tools. Include a small container of AMSOIL Multi-Purpose Synthetic Grease for emergency repairs and AMSOIL Metal Protector to prevent corrosion on tools exposed to winter conditions.
While DIY checks are essential, consider professional inspection before major holiday trips. A qualified technician can identify potential problems your Thanksgiving driving preparation checklist might miss, such as worn belts, failing sensors, or developing leaks that could strand your family far from home.