Pre Tet 2026 Car Maintenance Checklist For Safe Holiday Travel

As Tet 2026 approaches, road traffic across Vietnam becomes heavier and driving distances increase. Many families travel long hours, often with full loads and limited rest stops. Without proper pre Tet car maintenance, even small issues can turn into serious problems on the road. This article provides a complete and practical pre Tet 2026 car maintenance checklist to help drivers avoid breakdowns, control costs, and travel safely throughout the holiday season.

Why Pre Tet 2026 Car Maintenance Is Important

Car maintenance before Tet is a preventive measure that protects both your vehicle and your passengers.

Proper preparation helps you

• Reduce the risk of sudden breakdowns during long trips

• Avoid higher repair costs caused by last minute servicing

• Prevent delays due to fully booked workshops near Tet

• Improve driving safety in heavy holiday traffic

Most automotive professionals recommend servicing your car at least three to four weeks before Tet.

Pre Tet 2026 Car Maintenance Checklist You Should Follow

Check And Replace Engine Oil

Engine oil plays a key role in lubrication, cooling, and engine efficiency.

Before Tet, you should

• Replace engine oil if the car has traveled over 7,000 km since the last change

• Inspect and replace the oil filter if necessary

• Use the correct oil specification recommended by the manufacturer

Fresh engine oil improves fuel efficiency and reduces engine wear during long distance driving.

Inspect The Brake System

The brake system is essential for safe driving, especially on highways and steep roads.

Key items to inspect include

• Brake pad thickness

• Brake disc condition

• Brake fluid level and color

Any vibration, noise, or delayed braking response should be addressed immediately.

Inspect Tires And Tire Pressure

Tires are the only contact point between your car and the road.

Make sure to check

• Tire tread depth

• Correct tire pressure for all four wheels

• Condition of the spare tire

If tires are more than four to five years old, replacement should be considered before Tet 2026.

Check Battery Condition

Battery failure is one of the most common issues during holiday travel.

Warning signs include

• Difficulty starting the engine

• Weak lights when starting

• Battery age exceeding two years

Testing or replacing the battery early helps avoid unexpected vehicle failure.

Inspect The Cooling System

Long drives and traffic congestion increase engine temperature.

Important checks include

• Coolant level and quality

• Radiator and hose leaks

• Cooling fan operation

Ignoring cooling system issues may lead to overheating during peak travel periods.

Check Air Conditioning And Cabin Air Filter

Comfort becomes increasingly important during long holiday trips.

You should

• Replace or clean the cabin air filter

• Check refrigerant levels

• Clean the air conditioning system if odors are present

A well functioning air conditioning system improves driver focus and passenger comfort.

Inspect Lights And Windshield Wipers

Good visibility is essential during night driving and rainy weather.

Check the following

• Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals

• Windshield wipers for wear or stiffness

These small components play a critical role in overall driving safety.

When Is The Best Time To Service Your Car Before Tet

The ideal servicing window is

• Three to four weeks before Tet

• Before workshops become overcrowded

• Early enough to fix unexpected mechanical issues

Early servicing helps avoid stress and inflated prices close to the holiday.

Should You Sell Or Upgrade Your Car Before Tet 2026

Many car owners consider selling or upgrading their vehicles before Tet, especially if maintenance costs are rising.

You may consider selling your car if

• Repairs are frequent

• Maintenance expenses continue to increase

• The car no longer fits your current needs

Motorist offers a transparent and convenient car selling service in Vietnam

Get A Car Valuation Before Tet To Understand Your Car’s Market Value

Knowing your car’s value helps you make better financial decisions.

A car valuation allows you to

• Understand current resale value

• Decide whether repairs are worth the cost

• Plan your year end budget more effectively

Motorist provides an easy online car valuation service

Common Pre Tet Car Maintenance Mistakes To Avoid

Many drivers make avoidable mistakes before Tet.

Common mistakes include

• Only changing engine oil and ignoring brakes or tires

• Waiting until the last minute for servicing

• Skipping battery and cooling system checks

• Choosing workshops with unclear pricing

Avoiding these mistakes saves time, money, and unnecessary stress.

Prepare Early For A Safe And Smooth Tet 2026

Pre Tet 2026 car maintenance is a crucial step to ensure safe, reliable, and cost efficient holiday travel. Completing a full inspection early helps prevent breakdowns and unexpected expenses during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

If you are considering selling your car or checking its value before Tet, Motorist.vn provides transparent solutions to help you make confident decisions for the new year.

Visit Motorist.vn today to sell your car or get a professional car valuation before Tet 2026.