The year-end season is the perfect time to unwind, go on road trips, and spend quality moments with family and friends. But with highways packed, long-distance drives planned, and holiday excitement in the air, many drivers unintentionally make mistakes that can turn a joyful trip into a stressful one.

To help you enjoy a smooth and safe journey, here are the top year-end travel mistakes drivers should avoid, plus how GMR Extended Warranty keeps you protected if things go wrong.

1. Skipping a Pre-Trip Inspection

Many breakdowns happen simply because drivers hit the road without checking their car first. A quick inspection of tyres, brakes, oil level, coolant, and battery can prevent major issues.

GMR Tip: A lot of hidden problems only show symptoms under long-distance strain. If you’re covered by GMR, you’re protected from sudden component failures that could spoil your holiday.

2. Ignoring Warning Lights

Those dashboard lights are not “holiday decorations.” Driving long distances while ignoring warning signs can end with a tow truck instead of a vacation.

Avoid it: If a warning light appears, get a diagnostic check before travelling.

3. Overloading the Car

Extra luggage, holiday gifts, or balik kampung bags can cause:
• excess strain on suspension
• higher fuel consumption
• overheating
• uneven tyre wear

GMR Tip: Overloading amplifies the risk of wear-and-tear turning into major failures, especially in older cars.

4. Leaving Service & Maintenance to the Very Last Minute

Workshops get packed during year-end. Many drivers wait till the final week and end up travelling without essential servicing done.

Avoid it: Schedule maintenance early,oil change, filters, brakes, coolant flush, and more.

5. Not Checking Tyre Pressure Before a Long Trip

Underinflated tyres are one of the highest causes of highway blowouts. Overinflated tyres reduce road grip, dangerous during rainy seasons.

GMR Tip: Proper tyre condition helps protect other parts like suspension and alignment, which are often included under warranty depending on your plan.

6. Relying Only on GPS Without Backup Knowledge

Signal can drop, GPS can glitch, and sometimes Waze sends you to unexpected kampung shortcuts. Always have a basic idea of your route.

7. Not Resting Enough During a Long Drive

Fatigue slows reaction time and increases accident risk.
Avoid it: Take a break every 2 hours, stretch, and stay hydrated.

8. Forgetting Emergency Essentials

Many drivers don’t pack:
• jumper cables
• torchlight
• spare tyre tools
• powerbank
• first-aid kit

These small items prevent big headaches.

9. Driving With a Weak or Old Battery

Long trips with aircond, GPS, chargers, dashcam, and lights put extra load on the battery. A weak battery may die halfway.

GMR Tip: Electrical-related repairs can be costly. Warranty protection helps manage sudden failures with less stress.

10. Travelling Without Warranty Protection

This is a mistake many second-hand or older car owners only realise when it’s too late. Holiday travel puts high strain on the engine, gearbox, cooling system, and electronics.

Having GMR Extended Warranty means:

• you’re covered if a sudden failure happens during or after your trip
• you reduce the financial shock of expensive repairs
• you can travel with confidence knowing help is available when you need it