The holidays are, for many, a wonderful time of the year. Parties, great food, fun with family and friends, parties, gifts, holiday decorations and, of course, parties.

Parties are great the way airplane rides are great; you love them as long as the landing comes off without a hitch. Unfortunately, parties gone bad is less of a concern when the party is a dud. The real problem is when other negative factors attach themselves to the experience – such as when your vehicle gives you trouble or you run afoul of the law.

To avoid either problem requires a little preparation before hand and a little common sense during and after.

No one wants to top off a party with a car that won’t start. At the same time, if the car breaks down to or from the party, it’s a downer. All these issues assume the driver isn’t so full of revelry as to make driving a bad idea to begin with.

Making sure the car will start and run reliably to and from a party, or any other outing this time of year, starts with proper automotive maintenance. If you don’t maintain your vehicle you have no reason for surprise if something goes wrong. On the other hand, with a well-maintained car you have little reason to worry.

This time of year, automotive maintenance includes a proper winterizing: charging system, cooling system, oil change and replacement of worn tires, wipers or other critical parts. If your car won’t start, or breaks down during the trip, with the cold, you could find yourself in a ticklish situation.

The other problem with driving to and from parties generally occurs when alcohol enters the picture. Preparing to avoid this potential problem starts with making arrangements before the party to:

A. Rely on a designated driver
B. Bring a sleeping bag and sleepover
C. Call a cab
D. Go in style and use a limo service

If you opt to go in style, you may want to call McHenry Limousine Service. They have the finest and newest limos and drivers with panache and safe driving skills.

For information about maintaining your car before the holiday parties begin, call Performance Unlimited at 815-728-0343. For a limo ride to and from the party, call 815-344-4466.