DRIVE SAFE

Getting ready for a road trip to visit the family during the Christmas and New Year holidays?

- ERIC A. TAUB

Unfortunately, you're not alone - far from it.While there's nothing we can do to shoo away your fellow travellers or improve the weather, here are some tips to maximise your comfort and minimise the hiccups.

PREPARE YOUR CAR

Make sure you've got emergency essentials. That includes water, a phone charger and a power bank, a flashlight, extra blankets and coats, a first aid kit and a reflective emergency triangle. And if you're travelling with a furry friend, don't forget pet food. To guard against sudden flats and underinflated spare tyres, consider investing in a portable air pump.

If your wiper blades are juddering, it's time to replace them — and you can generally do it yourself. Parts stores have charts that show you the right size blades to buy; they usually slide right on and off.

CHECK YOUR TYRES

There’s a reason people say “where the rubber meets the road”. Tyres with good tread can make all the difference.

To check tread depth, use a tyre gauge or just stick a coin in one of the treads. If it's less than 1.5mm, you need a new tyre.