Bright Lights, Safe Rides
We love seeing the roads light up with festive cheer, and not just from storefronts or front lawns. Around the holidays, more and more drivers are turning their cars into rolling winter wonderlands. Reindeer antlers, light-up wreaths, and twinkling lights make any commute a bit more cheerful. But before we start stringing garland across the dashboard, let’s talk about how to do it safely. As your local Olathe towing crew, we’ve seen it all. And we’ve got a few things to say about holiday decorating dos and don’ts. Car decorations bring joy, no doubt about it. But it only takes one poorly placed ornament to create a hazard on the highway. A plastic Santa on the roof might seem harmless until it goes airborne at 70 miles an hour. Holiday spirit shouldn’t end with a call to roadside assistance.
Safety First, Style Second
We’re all for showing off your holiday spirit, but we always want safety riding shotgun. Decorations can distract you, block your view, or worse, put you in danger. That doesn’t mean you have to skip the fun entirely. It just means planning ahead and picking the right decorations for your vehicle.
Keep in mind: what looks great parked in your driveway may not work once you’re driving 55 down the freeway. And if you ever find yourself pulled over or needing Olathe towing services, we promise: safety will always be the top priority.
Tips for Safe Holiday Car Decorating
If you’re going to make your car part of the season’s celebration, here’s how to do it right:
- Choose non-distracting decor. Keep anything that flashes, jingles, or glows out of your direct line of sight. No blinking lights inside the windshield.
- Avoid loose items. Everything should be secured tightly. Use zip ties or clips, not tape or suction cups that can come loose.
- Don’t cover mirrors or windows. You need a clear view in every direction. That includes your rear window and side mirrors.
- Mind your roof. Any rooftop decorations need to be aerodynamic and firmly attached. Lightweight doesn’t mean safe if it flies off.
- Skip anything sharp or pointy. In a fender bender, that cute reindeer nose could do some real damage.
Our goal is for your car to be festive, but not festive enough to catch the attention of a tow truck or a police cruiser.
What Not to Do When Decorating Your Vehicle
We’ve seen a few things that made us do a double take—some ended up requiring Olathe towing. So here’s a quick rundown of the biggest mistakes we’ve seen:
- Don’t run power cords through the windows. You’ll pinch the cable, damage your weather seal, and invite leaks.
- No inflatables while driving. We don’t care how fun that rooftop snowman looks—save it for parades and parked displays.
- No taping things to your headlights or tail lights. You need to be visible, and others need to see your signals.
- Avoid battery-powered light strands near flammable decorations. A fire hazard is never festive.
Use common sense and put driving safety above decoration dazzle.
Santa Fe Tow Service: Olathe Towing That Cares About Your Holiday Cheer
At Santa Fe Tow Service, we love the holidays just as much as you do. But our years of Olathe towing experience have taught us that even cheerful accidents are still accidents. Whether it’s a loose decoration that causes trouble or a roadside emergency that disrupts your shopping run, we’re here to help 24/7.
Our Olathe towing team is ready all season long to handle breakdowns, accidents, and anything in between. We hope you never need us, but if you do, we’ll arrive fast and treat you like family. And yes, we’ll probably admire your Christmas lights while we load up the car.
So go ahead, deck your ride, spread some joy, and drive safely. If things don’t go as planned, call the Olathe towing team that keeps the holidays rolling: Santa Fe Tow Service.
FAQ
Can I leave holiday decorations on my car overnight?
Yes, but only if they are weather-resistant and securely attached. Decorations made of fabric or cardboard can get damaged by moisture or wind.
Are light-up car decorations legal?
It depends on your local traffic laws. Flashing or colored lights may be restricted, especially if they resemble emergency vehicles. Check with your local DMV or highway patrol.
Will car decorations affect my fuel efficiency?
Large or poorly placed decorations can increase drag and reduce fuel efficiency. Stick with low-profile items that don’t interfere with airflow.
Can decorations interfere with my car’s sensors or cameras?
Yes. Placing decorations near bumpers, windshields, or mirrors could block sensors used for parking assistance or collision alerts.
Is it safe to decorate a leased vehicle?
Yes, but avoid anything that could cause permanent marks or damage. Use removable clips or magnets instead of adhesives.
What’s the best way to remove decorations without damaging my car?
Use warm water and a soft cloth to loosen adhesive residue. Avoid scraping or using harsh chemicals that could harm the paint.
