Before You Hit the Road This Holiday, Check Under the Hood

Millions of Americans are hitting the road this holiday season, and AAA says 2025 is already shaping up to be a record-breaking year for travel. That surge is keeping auto shops busy—including Mountain View Tire in Palm Desert, where crews are working overtime to get vehicles road-ready.

The shop's manager, James, says there are a few key areas drivers should inspect before any long trip: tires, batteries, brakes, and wiper blades. For tires, look for uneven wear on the shoulders or tread that's worn close to the indicator bars. Batteries should have secure connectors with no corrosion around the terminals. Brakes need smooth rotors and pads with enough thickness left. And for wipers, a quick finger test can reveal cracking or pitting that might cause problems in bad weather.

AAA spokesperson Doug Shupe says December is expected to be just as packed as the rest of the holiday season. With more vehicles on the road, breakdowns create bigger problems—for stranded drivers and everyone else stuck behind them.

"Taking extra time to prepare your car now could be the difference between spending the holidays with loved ones or stuck on the highway," Shupe said.

A quick inspection before you leave could save hours of headache later.