It may come as no surprise to you, but the upcoming holiday season can mean more traffic on the road. This may be frustrating, but it's important that you keep your cool at all times to stay safe.

Prepare for Increased Holiday Traffic

Holiday traffic can be the most frustrating sort of traffic to deal with. As shoppers head to the mall to finish their holiday shopping, parking lots can turn into chaos. Similarly, highways can get congested as drivers head out of town for the weekend. To keep calm and stay safe when driving this season, use these tips.

Give Yourself More Time

When you're expecting an increase in traffic, it's important that you plan your outings with this in mind. More traffic and inclement weather this season can slow you down significantly, so consider this before leaving the house. Plan ahead and give yourself more time to complete errands or to arrive at your destination safely. Instead of trying to rush through traffic, which can be dangerous at any time of the year but especially now, give yourself plenty of time so that you don't get more stressed out and frustrated.

Stay Alert While Driving

No matter where you're heading or how long you plan to be on the road, it's super important that you're alert and focused at all times. Places you're used to driving through may be a bit different during the holidays because of the weather but also because of the amount of traffic they're getting now. For example, you may be used to running to the mall for something quick, but this same trip can be completely different now. The number of people trying to do their holiday shopping can lead to a super congested parking lot with barriers in areas that don't normally have them. Pay attention to traffic as you approach the mall and take it slow. Keep an eye out for pedestrians since there may be more walking through the parking lot this time of the year.

Take Care of Maintenance Tasks

In order to have a great holiday season, you'll need your car to do its part. Your car should be in good enough shape that you can rely on it to get you where you need to go all season long. To ensure it won't leave you stranded, perform seasonal maintenance on it. Check your oil and change it if it's no longer in good condition. Check your antifreeze and top this off if it's starting to run low. Get your battery tested so you're sure it won't die in the cold. You may even want to get a tune-up so that your car is ready for the season. To ensure your engine is being protected, be sure to give your car a synthetic oil change in Wichita. Click here to buy AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil which can help your car stay in better shape for longer. The friendly oil pros at Hartmans Inc can help you find the right oil for the job. Give them a call at (316) 686-1069 to learn more and check out their online shop for a full range of their products.

Take a Break

If your holiday plans include going on a road trip, be sure to plan this out well. Long road trips can go much better if you have at least one other person with you so that you are able to stay awake and alert. You may even take turns driving so that you both get a break from time to time. If you're driving on your own, it's very important that you plan some breaks for yourself. Use these breaks to stretch your legs, rest your eyes, and get some food. All of this will help you return to the road focused and alert. If you're driving overnight, it's best to make a reservation at a hotel so that you can get a full night of sleep before hitting the road again.

Drive During Daylight Hours

During the fall, the sun will set earlier in the day, leaving you to do more nighttime driving than usual. This isn't ideal since visibility isn't as great at night. Do your best to be home by nightfall and avoid driving in the dark. If you do have to drive at night, be sure all of your car's lights are working properly and stick to streets you know and streets that are illuminated well.

Give Your Car a Synthetic Oil Change in Wichita

Keep your car's insides in great shape with the help of a synthetic oil change in Wichita. Contact the friendly oil pros at Hartmans Inc. to get their help when choosing an oil for your car. Give them a call at (316) 686-1069 to learn more or to place your order.