The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year on Dallas-Fort Worth roads. Families pack the car, head to grandma’s house in Waco or Tulsa, and join thousands of other drivers on I-35, I-30 and I-20 at the same time.
More cars, longer drives and colder mornings mean more breakdowns. Every year around Thanksgiving and Christmas, our phones get busier with dead batteries, flat tires and overheated engines.
The good news is that most holiday breakdowns are preventable, and the rest are easier to handle with a plan. Here’s a simple checklist for before you leave, while you’re on the road and if something goes wrong.
Before a holiday road trip, check your battery, tires, oil, coolant, wipers and lights, and save a 24/7 towing number in your phone. If you break down, pull far off the road, turn on hazards, stay buckled in on the highway and share your exact location. Many problems like dead batteries and flat tires can be fixed on the spot; a tow is needed when the car can’t be driven safely.
Before You Leave: A 15-Minute Car Check
You don’t need to be a mechanic to catch the most common problems. Spend 15 minutes on these:
- Battery. If your car has been slow to start, get the battery tested for free at most auto parts stores. Cold mornings are hard on weak batteries.
- Tires. Check pressure when the tires are cold, using the number on the driver’s door sticker, not the tire sidewall. Look for low tread and bulges.
- Spare tire. Make sure you have one, it holds air and you have a jack and lug wrench.
- Oil and coolant. Top off if they’re low. Look for puddles under the car.
- Wipers and washer fluid. Replace streaky wipers and fill the washer tank.
- Lights. Walk around the car with the lights on.
- Warning lights. Don’t start a long trip with a check engine light on. Get it checked first.
If you’re driving a car you don’t use much, like a second car or a rental, take a short drive around town first.
Pack a Small Roadside Kit
- Phone charger and a power bank
- Water and snacks
- Blanket and warm layers
- Flashlight
- Reflective triangles or flares
- First aid kit
- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
- Insurance card and registration
If you’re traveling with kids or pets, add extra water, food and something to keep them busy.
Plan Around the Busiest Times
Holiday traffic usually peaks on the days just before and after the holiday, especially in the afternoon. Leaving early in the morning or traveling on the holiday itself can mean lighter traffic.
Check road conditions before you go. North Texas weather in late November and December can change from sunny to freezing rain within a day.
Save a Towing Number Before You Need It
Scrolling through search results on a dark shoulder is stressful. Save a 24/7 towing company’s number in your phone before you leave. If you have roadside coverage through insurance or a credit card, save that number too.
If You Break Down: What to Do First
- Get off the road as far as you safely can. An exit ramp or parking lot is better than a shoulder.
- Turn on hazard lights right away.
- Stay buckled in if you’re on a busy highway. Get out only if the car is smoking or unsafe, and exit away from traffic.
- Keep kids and pets inside and away from the road.
- Share your exact location: highway, direction, nearest exit or mile marker. Drop a pin if you can.
- Call for help. If anyone is hurt or you’re blocking a lane, call 911 first.
For more safety steps while you wait, see our guide on what to do while waiting for a tow truck.
Common Holiday Breakdowns and What Fixes Them
| Problem | Can it be fixed on the spot? | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Dead battery | Usually | Roadside assistance jump start |
| Flat tire with a good spare | Usually | Roadside tire change |
| Out of gas | Usually | Emergency fuel delivery |
| Locked out | Usually | Lockout service |
| Overheating | Rarely | Car towing to a shop |
| Engine or transmission trouble | No | Tow to a shop |
| Accident damage | No | Flatbed towing |
Breaking Down Far From Home
If your car breaks down on the way to Oklahoma, Austin or Houston, you have two choices: get it fixed at a local shop near where you broke down, or tow it back to your own mechanic. A long tow costs more, but it can make sense if the repair is big or you trust your regular shop.
If your car is AWD, 4WD or electric, ask for a flatbed. Our article on which vehicles require flatbed towing explains why.
Does Insurance Cover Holiday Towing?
Many auto policies and credit cards include towing or roadside help, but coverage often has a mileage limit. Check before you leave. Our guide on whether insurance covers towing can help.
What About Towing Prices on Holidays?
Some companies charge more on nights, weekends and holidays. Always ask for the full price before the truck is dispatched. At DA Cheap Towing, you get a flat rate up front, and local tows start at $85. See our Dallas towing cost guide for details.
24/7 Holiday Towing Across DFW
DA Cheap Towing is open 24 hours a day, including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. We serve Dallas, Plano, Irving, McKinney, Richardson and Farmers Branch.
Call (214) 206-4521 or get a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check before a holiday road trip?
Battery, tire pressure and tread, spare tire, oil, coolant, wipers, lights and any warning lights.
Are tow trucks available on Thanksgiving and Christmas?
Many are. DA Cheap Towing operates 24/7, including holidays.
Do towing companies charge more on holidays?
Some do. Ask for the full price before dispatch. DA Cheap Towing quotes a flat rate up front.
What should I do if my car breaks down with kids in the car?
Get off the road, turn on hazards, keep everyone buckled in and away from traffic, and call for help.
Can I have my car towed back home from another city?
Yes. Long distance towing can bring your car back to your own mechanic. Ask for a full quote first.