Thanksgiving Day, a holiday synonymous with family gatherings, festive meals, and gratitude, often brings changes to regular business operations. If you’re a car owner, you might be wondering, “Are car repair shops closed on Thanksgiving Day?” Knowing the answer can save you from unexpected hassles, especially if you’re planning holiday travel or encounter car trouble.
Generally, most car repair shops are indeed closed on Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving is a federal holiday in the United States, and like many other businesses, auto repair shops typically observe this day off to allow their employees to spend time with family and friends. This includes both large chain service centers and smaller, independent garages.
However, it’s not a universal closure. While routine maintenance and repair services will likely be unavailable, emergency services are often an exception. Just as hospitals and some pharmacies remain open, some emergency car repair or towing services operate on Thanksgiving. These services cater to urgent situations like breakdowns, flat tires, or accidents that can’t wait until the next business day.
Finding a car repair shop open for non-emergency work on Thanksgiving would be unusual. Most establishments that might be open would likely be limited to gas stations with convenience stores, and even their auto service bays will probably be closed. If they are open, it’s highly probable they will be operating on reduced hours and with limited staff, meaning services beyond basic fuel or quick fixes would be unavailable.
What to do if you need car repair on Thanksgiving:
- Emergency? If it’s an emergency situation that makes your car undrivable or unsafe, search online for “24-hour towing near me” or “emergency car repair Thanksgiving.” Call the listed services to confirm they are operating and can assist with your specific issue.
- Non-Emergency? For routine repairs or maintenance, you will almost certainly need to wait until the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, or even the following Monday. Use online search engines or directories to locate car repair shops in your area and check their holiday hours online or call them directly after Thanksgiving.
- Plan Ahead: The best approach is preventative. Before Thanksgiving travel, ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Check tire pressure, fluid levels, battery health, and brakes. A pre-trip inspection can significantly reduce the chances of encountering car problems on Thanksgiving Day.
In conclusion, while most car repair shops will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, emergency services are typically available. For non-urgent car issues, plan to seek repair services after the holiday. Being proactive with vehicle maintenance before Thanksgiving is the best way to avoid any car repair needs during the holiday.
