Thanksgiving Day is a time for family, food, and festivities. However, car troubles don’t take holidays. If you find yourself in a bind on Thanksgiving with a vehicle issue, knowing what auto repair options are available is crucial. Finding an open auto repair shop on Thanksgiving can be challenging, but not impossible.
Many businesses, including most auto repair shops, typically close for Thanksgiving to allow their employees to spend time with their families. This is why your regular mechanic or local chain might be unavailable. It’s important to understand that widespread closures are the norm, and planning ahead is always the best strategy.
However, certain types of auto repair services are more likely to be accessible even on Thanksgiving. Emergency services are often still operating, though perhaps with reduced staffing or holiday rates. These might include:
- Emergency Roadside Assistance: Services like AAA or those offered by your car insurance company are usually available 24/7, including holidays. They can help with jump starts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and towing to an open repair facility if needed.
- Some National Chains: While many local independent shops will be closed, a few larger national chains might have select locations open, particularly those near major highways or travel routes. It’s always best to call ahead to confirm holiday hours.
- 24-Hour Emergency Repair Services: Some cities and towns have dedicated 24-hour emergency auto repair services that cater to breakdowns at any time, including holidays. These are less common but worth looking for in urgent situations.
If you need auto repair on Thanksgiving, here’s how to improve your chances of finding help:
- Check Online Directories: Websites like Yelp, Google Maps, and even social media platforms can sometimes list holiday hours for businesses. Search for “24-hour auto repair” or “emergency auto repair” in your location and check if any indicate they are open on Thanksgiving.
- Call Ahead: Before heading to any shop you find online, call them directly. Holiday hours are often not accurately updated online, and a phone call is the most reliable way to confirm if they are open and what services they are offering.
- Utilize Roadside Assistance Apps: Many roadside assistance providers have mobile apps that allow you to request service, track your technician’s arrival, and even search for nearby repair facilities. These apps can be invaluable in an emergency.
To minimize the risk of car trouble on Thanksgiving, especially if you are traveling:
- Get a Pre-Trip Inspection: Before any long journey, have your car inspected by a mechanic. This can help identify and fix potential issues before they become holiday emergencies.
- Check Tires and Fluids: Ensure your tires are properly inflated and fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid) are topped off.
- Pack an Emergency Kit: Keep a basic emergency kit in your car with jumper cables, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, blankets, and some snacks and water, especially if you are traveling in colder climates.
While finding an open auto repair shop on Thanksgiving might require extra effort, knowing your options and being prepared can significantly reduce stress if car trouble strikes. Focus on emergency services, utilize online resources and phone calls, and prioritize preventative car maintenance to enjoy a smoother Thanksgiving holiday.
