It’s that time of year again — time to hit the road.

During the holiday season, American cars rack up more miles than Santa’s sleigh. But according to CARFAX estimates, too many of those vehicles are not up to date on their maintenance, with almost 20% of cars on the road behind on oil changes and nearly 30% behind on tire rotations.

CARFAX estimated more than 30 million vehicles are behind on both services, which it said can lead to costly and dangerous consequences.

In a news release, the company noted low or dirty oil can cause engine failure and skipping tire rotations can cause uneven wear, which can reduce traction and increases the risk of flats.

“Well-maintained vehicles last longer, cost owners less over time and are worth more when it’s time to sell them,” CARFAX Car Care general manager Paul Nadjarian said. “Our free Car Care program helps vehicle owners stay on top of their maintenance schedule with helpful reminders.”

CARFAX offered other maintenance reminders for holiday travel.

Check wiper blades: If the rubber is cracked, a car’s wipers can leave streaks, which hurts visibility and creates a safety hazard. Wipe them down or install new blades. Wiper blades should generally be switched every six months.

Consider winter tires: Cold weather can cause the rubber in standard tires to harden, impacting traction. Winter tires have special rubber compounds and tread patterns crafted to provide optimum grip on slick roads.

Check the battery: Cold weather reduces battery power and could cause the battery to fail. If a mechanic says the battery is weak, get a new one.

Check cooling system: This might seem counterintuitive in cold weather, but rubber components in the radiator and heater can crack and leak over time. Replace hoses that show signs of damage or wear.

Check wiper fluid level: Make sure there’s enough fluid in your car’s reservoir and choose a wiper fluid with antifreeze in it. That’s important because slush from the road can be kicked up onto the windshield and dry there, limiting visibility. It’s also smart to carry an extra gallon around in the car.

Pack a winter survival kit: If your car breaks down, make sure you have what you’ll need to survive, including water, a blanket, an ice scraper, food, road flares, a fully powered phone charger, a flashlight and a first aid kit.

CARFAX also added tips on how to safely pack a car for an extended trip:

  • Make sure everything is packed securely. In the event of a collision, those objects can become missiles and inflict a lot of damage.

 

  • Don’t overcrowd the car. Make sure all passengers have their own seat belt, and any pets along for the ride are likewise secured.

 

  • One thing many travelers forget: Make sure you’re not carrying more weight than the automaker recommends. Excessive weight can hurt a car’s stability and put too much pressure on the tires.