Undas is usually a time for family visits and long drives back to hometowns, but for many Filipinos, it also means hours in traffic and the occasional car breakdown. With thousands hitting the highways this season, Prestone, the country’s top brake fluid and coolant brand, is reminding motorists to prepare early to avoid road troubles that can turn a simple trip into a real-life horror story.

Flat tires, weak batteries, failing brakes, and overheated engines are among the most common mishaps during the Undas rush. Each one is preventable with a bit of car care and the right maintenance products.

One of the worst surprises is a flat tire just before reaching your destination. It often happens because of poor tire checks or worn-out treads. Prestone advises drivers to inspect tire pressure before leaving and always carry a spare, a jack, and basic tools. That small precaution can save hours stranded on the roadside.

A car that won’t start after a short stop can ruin an entire trip. To avoid this, drivers are encouraged to have their batteries checked beforehand and to clean off any corrosion on the terminals. Turning off accessories like lights and dash cameras when parked also helps preserve battery life.

Some drivers only realize there’s an issue when the pedal starts feeling soft or unresponsive. This often points to old brake fluid, worn pads, or leaks. Mechanics recommend checking your brakes before a long trip since repairs on the road can be costly and dangerous.

Overheating is a common cause of stalled vehicles, especially when coolant levels are low or incompatible. Prestone Coolant Ready to Use can help prevent this. With its 5X superior cooling protection, it guards against rust, corrosion, and boilover. It’s pre-diluted, so drivers don’t need to mix or add distilled water, just pour and go. It’s also compatible with all car makes and motorcycles.

Prestone offers the Asian Coolant 1L in three color variants to match specific vehicle types. The red or pink coolant is made for Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles. The blue variant works best for Honda, Nissan, and Subaru, while the green coolant is recommended for Isuzu, Suzuki, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda and Mitsubishi cars.

As families prepare for the Undas break, Prestone reminds everyone to do a quick inspection before heading out. Check the brakes, top up the coolant, and make sure everything under the hood is in order. A few minutes of preparation can spare you from the kind of car horror story you’ll never want to relive.