Get Your Volkswagen Ready for Holiday Road Trips

The holidays are all about family, food, and festive travel plans. Whether you’re headed across New Jersey, up to the Poconos, or down the I-95 corridor to visit relatives, your Volkswagen should be just as ready for the season as your suitcase.

At Cherry Hill Volkswagen, we know that preparing for a holiday road trip means more than just packing your bags. It’s about making sure your vehicle is ready for winter weather, increased mileage, and the hustle and bustle of the season. From the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan to the 2025 Atlas Cross Sport, every VW deserves proper care before hitting the road.

Here’s your ultimate guide to getting road trip ready, because nothing should come between you and your destination this holiday season.

1. Schedule a Pre-Trip Inspection

Before you take on long miles and unpredictable weather, it’s smart to schedule a pre-trip inspection at Cherry Hill Volkswagen’s service center. Our trained technicians can give your vehicle a thorough once-over and catch any issues before they become problems.

Here’s what we check:

• Brake system and pads 
• Battery health and charge 
• Tire tread depth and pressure 
• Fluid levels and quality (oil, coolant, brake, windshield washer) 
• Wipers and lights 
• HVAC system (heat and defrost) 

It’s always better to know ahead of time if you’ll need a battery replacement or fresh set of wiper blades, instead of finding out during a snowstorm on I-295.

2. Consider Winter Tires or All-Season Alternatives

If your road trip includes snowy or icy areas, or you just want maximum traction for unpredictable NJ winter weather, it may be time to install a set of winter tires. Models like the 2025 VW Taos or Tiguan equipped with available 4MOTION® all-wheel drive get even better cold-weather grip when paired with the right rubber.

Not sure what’s best for your specific model and lifestyle? Our Parts Department can walk you through options, and we can install your winter tires during your inspection visit. Better yet, we also offer Volkswagen Winter Wheel & Tire Packages that are designed to match your model perfectly.

3. Check Your Tires and Inflate to Optimal Pressure

Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop, which affects fuel economy, traction, and overall safety. A tire that’s just a few PSI underinflated can reduce your vehicle’s grip on wet or icy roads.

Make sure to:

• Inflate your tires to VW’s recommended levels (check the sticker inside your driver’s door) 
• Inspect for uneven wear or damage 
• Ensure your spare tire is properly inflated, too 

Don’t have a pressure gauge or time to do this yourself? Our team will handle it for you.

4. Update Your Navigation and Infotainment System

The last thing you want is to get lost or stuck in traffic during the holidays. That’s why it’s important to make sure your navigation system is fully updated, especially in models like the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta or Atlas equipped with built-in navigation.

Plus, be sure to:

• Sync your smartphone to Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ 
• Update your contacts and emergency info 
• Download any available over-the-air updates if your model supports them 

A little tech prep goes a long way when you’re coordinating rest stops, meal breaks, or finding alternate routes around holiday traffic in Philadelphia.

5. Load Up on Comfort Essentials

If you’re traveling with kids, pets, or a full load of gifts, your Volkswagen’s interior is going to get a workout. Make the trip more comfortable with a few additions:

• All-weather floor mats to catch snow and salt 
• Cargo liners and organizers to keep things tidy 
• USB-C adapters and chargers for every passenger 
• Snacks, water, and emergency essentials like a flashlight and blanket 

You can pick up many of these items at our dealership, just ask about official Volkswagen accessories that are compatible with your model.

6. Don’t Forget the Holiday Playlist

Okay, this one might be more about your sanity than your vehicle’s. But there’s nothing quite like driving down the highway with your favorite holiday tunes playing through your VW’s sound system. Whether you’re team Mariah Carey or into instrumental classics, make a playlist that sets the mood for the drive ahead.

In newer VW models, you can stream directly through the touchscreen, use voice commands, or ask Siri or Google to queue up your road trip soundtrack. And with available Fender® premium audio systems in models like the 2025 Tiguan and Atlas Cross Sport, those tunes sound even better.

7. Pack Smart with Volkswagen’s Cargo Solutions

If your trip involves lots of luggage, or maybe a few too many gifts, Volkswagen offers several cargo management options:

• Roof rails and cargo boxes 
• Interior trunk dividers 
• Fold-flat seating in SUVs like the Atlas and Taos 

These options not only help maximize your space but keep things secure and safe while you’re in motion.

8. Fill Up Before You Go

It might seem obvious, but filling up at a local gas station in Cherry Hill before leaving can save you money and stress. Holiday travel usually means long lines and higher gas prices on the road. Get topped off, check your washer fluid, and double-check your GPS before you leave the driveway.

Why Cherry Hill Volkswagen is Your Road Trip Partner

We’re more than just a place to buy a car, we’re your local partner in keeping your Volkswagen safe and road-ready. Whether you drive a 2025 VW Atlas, Jetta, Taos, or Tiguan, our certified VW technicians know your car inside and out.

Here’s why local drivers from Marlton to Mount Laurel trust us:

• Factory-trained technicians and VW diagnostic tools 
• Genuine OEM parts and tires 
• Online scheduling for convenience 
• Service specials available all season long 
• Comfortable waiting lounge and shuttle service if needed 

Let us help you make this holiday season safe, smooth, and stress-free.

Schedule Your Pre-Holiday Service Today

Ready to get road trip ready? Schedule your winter maintenance or pre-trip inspection now with Cherry Hill Volkswagen. You can book your appointment online, browse available accessories, or contact our Parts Department for winter tire packages.

From Cherry Hill to wherever the road takes you, we’ll help you get there.