Simple checks to help you avoid breakdowns, delays, and expensive surprises this December

The holidays in Marietta bring a familiar mix of cold mornings, early sunsets, rain, and packed roadways. Whether you’re commuting across Cobb Parkway, hopping on I-75 to visit family, or braving stop-and-go traffic around Atlanta, a little vehicle prep now can save you a lot of stress later.

This guide focuses on what actually matters for December driving in North Georgia—quick, practical checks that improve safety and help you avoid the most common holiday-season issues.

The 10-minute mindset: prevent the easy breakdowns

Most holiday roadside problems come from a short list: weak batteries, low tire pressure, worn brakes, poor visibility, or neglected fluids. The good news? These are usually easy to spot and inexpensive to address before your trip.

If you’re traveling soon, the ideal plan is a fast pre-trip inspection that covers the basics in one visit.
Heading out of town? Call Advantage Auto Service for a quick pre-trip check before you hit I-75.

1. Battery & charging system: the #1 cold-morning culprit

Even in Georgia’s mild winter, a chilly morning can expose a battery that’s on its last leg. If your car cranks slowly, your battery is older, or you’ve noticed dim headlights at idle, you’re in the danger zone.

Watch for:

• slow start or clicking
• warning lights related to battery/charging
• electronics acting “glitchy”

Why it spikes in December:
Holiday travel + colder nights = more demand on a battery that was already weak.

Smart move:
A quick battery and charging test is fast and can prevent the dreaded “won’t start” in a parking lot.

2. Tires: pressure drops when temps drop

Temperature swings can lower tire pressure. Underinflated tires reduce fuel economy and can compromise wet-road traction—especially during December rain.

Quick checks:

• confirm all tires (including spare) are properly inflated
• inspect tread depth
• look for uneven wear

Rain matters here:
Marietta winters are often more wet than snowy, so tread and pressure are your real safety combo.

3. Brakes: holiday traffic is rough on stopping power

Stop-and-go driving around shopping areas, I-75 backups, and city congestion puts extra strain on the braking system.

Watch for:

• squealing or grinding
• vibration when braking
• a soft or spongy pedal
• longer stopping distances

If you notice any of these signs, it’s worth checking sooner rather than later. A small brake issue can turn into a much bigger repair if ignored.

4. Visibility essentials: wipers, lights, defroster

Shorter days mean more night driving. Add rain and road spray, and visibility becomes a safety priority.

Make sure you have:

• quality wiper blades
• full washer fluid
• strong headlights and brake lights
• a working defroster

This is one of the cheapest safety upgrades you can make before the holiday rush.

5. Fluids that deserve a December check

You don’t need a full “winterization” like northern states, but you do need healthy fluids.

Key items:

• oil: fresh oil handles temperature changes better and protects on long highway runs
• coolant: still critical in winter; traffic + long drives can expose neglected cooling systems
• brake fluid: affects braking performance and safety
• washer fluid: underrated but essential for rainy highways

6. Cooling system: yes, even in winter

People assume overheating is strictly a summer problem. But if your coolant is old, your hoses are worn, or your system is low, the combination of long drives and congestion can still cause problems.

Especially relevant if:

• you’ve had recent temperature gauge fluctuations
• you smell coolant
• your heater performance has weakened

7. The “before you leave the driveway” sound check

This is a simple habit that catches issues early:

Listen for:

• new squeaks or grinding
• rattles over bumps
• unusual engine noises on cold start

If something sounds new, it probably is.

8. A simple holiday emergency kit

Not because you expect trouble—because it’s smart insurance.

Keep in the car:

• portable jump starter
• flashlight
• phone charger
• blanket
• water
• basic first aid

9. Pre-trip inspection: the smartest 20 minutes you can spend

If you’re traveling in the next two weeks, a quick shop visit for a pre-trip check is the easiest way to turn uncertainty into confidence.

A good pre-trip check typically covers:

• battery/charging
• tires/pressure/tread
• brakes
• fluids
• lights
• wipers
• a quick scan for stored codes

If your schedule is tight, calling is often the fastest way to get in and out.
Call Advantage Auto Service to schedule a quick holiday readiness check.

10. Don’t forget the “small annoyances” that become big headaches

Holiday driving tends to amplify minor inconveniences:

• weak A/C or heater
• a check engine light that’s been “fine for months”
• shuddering at highway speeds
• intermittent starting

Even if your vehicle seems mostly okay, these issues can turn into trip-ruiners when you’re far from home.

Quick checklist you can screenshot

Before holiday travel, check:

• Battery health
• Tire pressure + tread
• Brake condition and feel
• Wipers + washer fluid
• Headlights, brake lights, turn signals
• Oil life
• Coolant condition
• Heater/defroster performance

FAQ

How long does a pre-trip inspection take?

Most are quick. If you’re short on time, ask for a focused safety check covering battery, tires, brakes, fluids, and lights.

Do I need winter tires in Marietta?

For most drivers in the area, no. What matters more is proper tire pressure and solid tread for wet roads.

What’s the most common holiday breakdown?

Battery issues top the list. Even a mild cold snap can expose a weak battery.

Should I worry about overheating in December?

It’s less common, but yes—especially if your cooling system hasn’t been serviced in a while or you’re facing long highway drives and heavy traffic.

Your simplest next step

If you want more peace of mind and fewer surprises this season:
Call Advantage Auto Service and ask for a holiday pre-trip check.

We’ll help you confirm the basics, catch early warning signs, and get you back on the road confident—before holiday traffic and cold mornings make small problems bigger.