The holidays are over, you're back from visiting family in Dallas or driving down to the coast, and your car got you there and back safely. But after putting hundreds—or even thousands—of miles on your vehicle in a short period, it's a good idea to give it a little attention before diving back into your daily routine.

Long trips put extra stress on your car, especially if you were hauling extra passengers, luggage, and gifts. Here are five key things to check after those holiday road trips to keep your vehicle running smoothly through 2026.

1. Transmission Fluid

All those highway miles, plus stop-and-go traffic getting out of Houston, can heat up your transmission. If you haven't had your transmission fluid checked recently, now's the time.

Look at the fluid level and condition. Fresh transmission fluid should be bright red or pink and smell slightly sweet. If it's dark brown or smells burnt, that's a sign it's breaking down and needs to be changed. Low fluid levels can indicate a leak that needs attention before it becomes a bigger problem.

For most vehicles, transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, but check your owner's manual for specific recommendations. If you're not sure when it was last done, a quick check takes just a few minutes.

2. Tire Pressure and Tread

Temperature changes affect tire pressure more than most people realize. Even though Houston doesn't get truly cold, our January mornings can be 30 or 40 degrees cooler than the afternoon, and that makes a difference.

Check your tire pressure when the tires are cold—first thing in the morning is best. You'll find the recommended PSI on a sticker inside your driver's door. While you're at it, take a look at your tread depth. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head when you stick a penny into the tread, it's time for new tires.

Also look for uneven wear patterns. If one tire is wearing faster than the others, you might need an alignment. Those potholes on I-10 or hitting a curb while parallel parking in the Medical Center can knock things out of whack.

3. Engine Oil and Filter

Long highway stretches are actually easier on your engine than short city trips, but those miles still add up. If you're getting close to your next oil change interval, go ahead and take care of it now rather than pushing it another month.

Fresh oil keeps your engine running smoothly and prevents costly damage down the road. Check your oil level with the dipstick, and take a look at the color. Clean oil is amber; if it's dark brown or black, you're overdue for a change.

And while highway driving is gentler than city driving, those hours spent at 70 mph mean your engine worked hard to get you where you needed to go. Give it some fresh oil as a thank-you.

4. Brakes

Did you notice any squeaking, grinding, or vibration when you pressed the brake pedal during your trip? Even if your brakes felt fine, it's worth having them inspected if it's been a while.

Holiday travel often means carrying extra weight—more passengers, suitcases, coolers full of leftovers—and that puts additional strain on your braking system. If your brake pads were already getting thin before your trip, they might be at the point where they need replacement.

Don't ignore warning signs like a soft pedal, pulling to one side when you brake, or a brake warning light on your dashboard. Brakes are not something to put off.

5. Fluid Levels (Coolant, Power Steering, Brake)

Pop your hood and take a quick look at all your fluid reservoirs. Long drives can expose small leaks or weak points in hoses and seals. Make sure your coolant level is good—even in January, your engine needs proper cooling, especially after a long highway run.

Check your power steering fluid if your car has a reservoir for it (many newer cars have electric power steering). And take a look at your brake fluid level. If any of these are significantly low, there might be a leak that needs attention.

These checks take just a few minutes but can save you from being stranded on Bissonnet or dealing with a breakdown in the middle of your workweek.

Don't Put It Off

We get it—after the hustle of the holidays, car maintenance isn't at the top of anyone's list. But a quick checkup now can prevent bigger headaches later. Think of it as setting your car up for success in the new year, just like you're setting goals for yourself.

At A1 American Transmission & Auto Pros, we specialize in transmission service and complete auto repair. Whether you need a transmission fluid change, a full inspection after your holiday travels, or you've noticed something that doesn't feel quite right, we're here to help. We've been serving the Meyerland, Bellaire, and West University Place communities since 1975, and we'll give you an honest assessment of what your car needs.

Stop by and see us at 5506 Bissonnet Street or give us a call at (713) 665-4009. Se habla español!