The holiday season is right around the corner, and that means the time of feasting and visiting loved ones has arrived. Of course, before this can happen, people have to get to their loved ones, which frequently involves road trips. Whether you're traveling through the city or across the country, be sure to know what to expect before you leave. 

Americans are on the move
According to Travel Pulse, there is a 12-day window for Thanksgiving travel this year, extending from Nov. 21 to Dec. 2. The number of air travelers taking to the skies is expected to increase this year, the source reported, but that doesn't mean the highways will be emptier. In fact, with the average price of a gallon of gas dropping below $3 in much of the country, more people may be encouraged to get behind the wheel. 

Last year, more than 43 million Americans traveled more than 50 miles from home to reach their Thanksgiving destination, according to an AAA report. About 90 percent of those drove, which accounts for almost 39 million people on the roads. If this year's numbers are similar, travelers could have to put up with plenty of congestion, especially on the busiest travel days. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is generally the worst, with more than one-third of people traveling that day. Roughly the same number return on both Saturday and Sunday after the holiday. 

Get your car ready
If you plan on driving somewhere this Thanksgiving, the first thing you should do is make sure your car can handle the trip. Heavy traffic means you could encounter many stop-and-go scenarios, so be sure your brakes can stop on a dime. It could also be beneficial to have a standard tune up, as a professional may be able to identify areas that need quick fixes. Just an extra hour in the shop could result in plenty of time and money saved on the road. 

New Jersey State Auto Auction can help you get any vehicle ready for a road trip. Take your ride into the Total Car Care Center for a tune up, as the garage there caters to the public and can address any issues you may have. Whether you need a simple fix or more extensive repair work, the team of experts at the garage can get you headed in the right direction.