Typically one of the year’s few long holidays, Undas is a time for families to come together, honor loved ones and reconnect with their roots. In fact the word, Undas, itself is believed to come from the Spanish word, honrar. Others believe it as an acronym, also Spanish in origin, from the phrase, “UNos Dias de los Almas y de los Santos” meaning “Days of the Souls and of the Saints.”

For many, it means long drives, packed highways, and unpredictable road conditions. As thousands of Filipinos prepare to travel to the provinces this season, a safe journey begins with preparation.

Don’t let your next Undas trip turn into a car horror story you tell the following year. Prepare your vehicle beforehand with these tips.

From flat tires to overheated engines, here are some of the most common car horror stories that can ruin your Undas trip, and how you can avoid them through proper car preventive maintenance and the right coolant for your car.

Imagine you’re driving to your hometown, and you’re just a few kilometers away from your destination when you hear a loud bang ang several thuds as you slow down. You stop and check your car, and it turns out your tire has popped. This classic road mishap can throw off your entire schedule.

That’s why it’s important to inspect your tires before traveling. Make sure they’re filled to the proper pressure and don’t forget to check if your spare tire, jack, and tools are in the car too. A quick check on your tire’s condition before the trip can spare you hours of roadside trouble.

Your trip has gone well so far, but after a short stopover, you return to your car, only to find that it won’t start. A weak or drained battery is a common culprit during long weekends when cars sit idle for days before the trip.

Have your battery checked before you travel and clean any corrosion around the terminals. If you have a battery tender, charge the battery before the trip. Keeping your lights, dash cameras, and accessories off when parked also helps extend battery life.

You’re approaching heavy traffic when suddenly, your brake pedal feels soft or unresponsive. It’s every driver’s nightmare, and it usually stems from neglected car maintenance. This can stem from old brake fluid, worn pads, or leaks in the system.

Avoid this by checking the brake reservoir before the trip to ensure the fluid is at the right level. Examine your discs and pads for signs of wear. Even better, schedule a quick check-up at your nearest car maintenance service centers or talyer. Remember, it’s always better to prevent than repair.

Few things are as stressful as seeing steam rising from your hood in the middle of a long drive. Overheating often happens when drivers skip basic car maintenance or use incompatible coolant for their car.

Before you hit the road, make sure your car’s engine is protected with Prestone Asian Coolant. The Prestone Asian Coolant 1L is available in red, blue, and green color variants. These are color coded depending on the brand of your vehicle. Simply choose the one that matches your car. Easch coolant is engineered with 5X Superior Cooling Action and Cor-Guard Technology.

You’re halfway through your journey when the car suddenly stalls in the middle of the road. The reason? Old coolant or a system leak that caused the engine to overheat.

When you’re far from a mechanic, Prestone Coolant Ready To Use can be a real lifesaver. Formulated with five times superior cooling protection, it protects your engine from overheating, rust, corrosion, and boilover, ensuring long-lasting protection for key components like the radiator, water pump, thermostat, and aluminum parts. Because it’s pre-diluted and ready to pour, there’s no need to add distilled water or mix. Just top up your coolant anywhere and you’re good to go.

As Filipinos gear up for the long Undas weekend, Prestone reminds every driver to take extra precautions before hitting the road. From checking your brakes to topping up your coolant, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and safe journey for you and your loved ones.

Take advantage of the free vehicle check-ups dotted along major gas stations along your route this Undas. Have your vehicle checked and save yourself the hassle down the road. Don’t let car troubles become your real-life horror story. Keep your engine cool with Prestone Asian Coolant and Prestone Coolant Ready to Use.

Both Prestone Coolants are available at leading automotive stores and retail outlets nationwide, including True Value, Handyman, Ace Hardware, Blade, and online through the official stores on Lazada and Shopee. Prestone also urges customers to purchase only from authorized retailers to ensure product authenticity and vehicle safety.

To learn more about Prestone’s full range of products and car preventive maintenance tips, visit their website.