Thanksgiving Pre-Trip Guide
NaTasha Brand • November 24, 2025
Your Turkey’s Not the Only Thing That Needs a Check-Up
Your mind is on a deliciously curated schedule: brining Thursday, basting Friday, and a strategic plan to avoid political discussions with Uncle Bob. But before you embark on your great migration across West Texas, whether it's to Abilene, Odessa, or just across San Angelo, there’s a crucial step you’re missing. No, it’s not figuring out how to make canned cranberry sauce sound gourmet. It’s giving your car the once-over it desperately deserves.
Let's be honest, your vehicle has been luxuriating in the mild San Angelo fall, but a long road trip is a different beast. The last place you want to be on I-20 is on the shoulder, watching semis fly by while your dreams of pumpkin pie evaporate. That’s why a pre-trip inspection isn't just a suggestion; it’s your ticket to a gravy-filled, drama-free holiday.
So, pop the hood and let’s talk about the four food groups of automotive safety:
1. The Lifeblood: Your Fluids
Think of your car’s fluids as the essential sides to your Thanksgiving turkey.
Oil: The mashed potatoes of your engine. If it’s old, low, or sludgy, everything grinds to a halt. A fresh change ensures your engine doesn't get cranky under the strain.
Coolant: This is the sweet potato casserole, it keeps things from overheating. With Texas weather being its unpredictable self, ensuring your cooling system is ready for a long, hot drive is non-negotiable.
Brake Fluid: The unsung hero, the green bean casserole of your stopping power. You don't think about it until it’s gone, and then you’re in a real pickle.
Windshield Washer Fluid: The cranberry sauce! Seems trivial until you have a windshield full of West Texas bugs and dust, and you’re flying blind.
2. The Heartbeat: Your Battery
Your car's battery is like the tryptophan-induced nap. It works great until suddenly, without warning, it doesn’t. A weak battery might get you to H-E-B, but the cold morning start for a long trip could be its final curtain call. You need a strong, reliable charge to turn over the engine, not a dramatic, last-minute performance.
3. The Circulatory System: Your Belts
Your serpentine belt is the circulatory system, powering everything from the alternator to the A/C. A snapped belt is the automotive equivalent of the turkey catching fire. Suddenly, you’re dealing with a catastrophic, trip-ending failure. A quick visual inspection for cracks and wear can save your entire holiday.
4. The Foundation: Your Tires
Your tires are your only connection to the road, from the smooth pavement of Bryant Blvd to the caliche roads of a ranch visit. Check the pressure (including the spare!). Under-inflated tires are fuel-guzzlers and overheating risks. Check the tread. Bald tires and potential West Texas rain showers are a recipe for a skid that would make a ice skater nervous.
Why Trust Ric Henry's Auto Service with Your Pre-Trip Feast?
You could try to DIY this, but do you really have time between pie-baking and table-setting? This is where the pros come in.
At Ric Henry's Auto Service in San Angelo, we treat your car like the centerpiece of your holiday. Our experienced technicians perform comprehensive pre-trip inspections using the same advanced tools and equipment the dealerships use. We don’t just look; we diagnose. From minor fixes to major overhauls, we ensure your vehicle is road-trip ready.
And because we believe in our work as much as you believe in your grandmother’s stuffing recipe, we back every single service with a robust 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. That’s peace of mind that lasts long after the leftovers are gone.
So, before you get your turkey on the road, bring your car to us. Let’s make sure your only breakdown this Thanksgiving is from eating too much tryptophan.
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