It’s the holiday season and with it comes traditions like picking out your own Christmas tree. Once you’ve found the perfect tree all that’s left is to get it home safely, but that can be easier said than done. Luckily our Peoria Volkswagen dealer has plenty of tips and tricks you can use to safely tie your Christmas tree to your car.
1. Measure: Before heading out, measure the height of the room where you plant to display to tree to make sure it will fit. Most tree toppers add quite a bit of height to so ensure there is at least six inches of clearance between the ceiling and the top of the tree.
2. Protect Your Car and Tree: Lay a blanket down on the roof or bed of your ride to protect your car from scratches and make tree needle cleanup easier. It’s also a good idea to wrap your tree up before tying it down to your car; most Christmas tree farms provide netting but if you happen to go to one that doesn’t, an old blanket or tarp will do the job.
3. Position the Tree: The tree should be in its most aerodynamic position, which is the trunk facing toward the front of the car. This helps prevent wind damage to the tree and ensures you won’t lose as many needles on the way home.
4. Tying it in Place with Roof Racks: If your car has a roof rack, you’re first step is to open all your car doors; if you try to tie the tree down through the windows you won’t be able to open your car doors. Next, tie a piece of rope to one side of the roof rack and stretch it across the tree, stopping to wrap the line around the trunk a couple times. Tie the rope off to the roof rack on the other side of the car to secure it in place. Repeat this process at the middle and near the top of the tree to fully secure it to your ride and prevent the tree from sliding around.
5. Tying it in Place Without Roof Racks: If your ride doesn’t have roof racks, you can still get your tree home safely with some maneuvering. As with roof racks, remember to tie down the tree with the doors open instead of going through the windows. Follow the same instructions as above but use a heavier gauge rope so as to not cut into your car door weather stripping and keep your tree securely in place.
Wherever you get your Christmas tree from, these tips can help you transport your new holiday fir without risking life, limb, or damage to your vehicle. For more information on all your Volkswagen can handle or to find the right ride this holiday season, be sure to contact Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen by calling (844) 285-4840 today!
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