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Ready Your Car for Winter 10 Tips to prep your car for winter driving.
Old or not, cars need attention. This is especially true when you live in
an area that goes through extreme temperature or weather changes. The experts in
our service department have compiled some valuable information to help you
prepare for the winter ahead.
Please don't take your car for granted and give this a quick read. If
anything, ask yourself when you last checked these items. The last thing you
need is to get stranded on the highway with the family during the middle of
winter.
- Inspect your antifreeze while your
engine is cold by using a tester to check the mixture for its freeze point. A
50/50 ratio means 50% distilled water and 50% antifreeze, which is sufficient in
most climates, except in extreme cold.
- Have your charging system checked, cold weather starts make the vehicle
battery work much harder and getting stranded in the cold is no fun!
- Change your oil and oil filter.
Clean, high quality engine oil goes a long way in protecting the motor in cold
start situations. We recommend a high quality oil like Quaker State. Ask about our "Buy 3 get one FREE" oil changes.
- Visually inspect all lights; marker
bulbs, tail lights, third level brake lights, especially headlights and driving
lights. Daylight savings time requires bulbs to work longer hours.
- Tire Tread condition; check it
yourself, or have it checked. Winter driving requires good traction in snow and
ice. Quality tire tread sheds the snow, ice and road grime more quickly,
providing better traction for improved safety. Check your tire pressure
regularly, especially in colder temperatures. Follow the recommended PSI found
on the driver’s side door post for maximum traction.
- Visibility is key to your safety;
make sure that your wiper blades are in top condition, to fully clear your
windshield, and back window if the vehicle is equipped. Road salt and slush can
jeopardize visibility. Use washer fluid containing de-icer on windows to avoid the chiseling of ice early in the morning.
- Inspect your engine’s belts and
hoses. Cracked, frayed or worn out rubber won’t stand up to temperature
extremes. Don’t get stranded on your next trip because of a $10.00 belt or
hose!
- Replace the Cabin Air Filter if the
vehicle is equipped. Outside contaminants from Fall and Summer driving are
stranded in the cabin air filter and running the heater on “high” in the extreme
cold only sends the micro-particles deeper into the vehicle.
- Protect your vehicle’s paint. Rain,
snow and salt are extremely tough on paint. A tough coating of quality car wax
will add another barrier in-between road grime and your vehicle’s paint.
- Last but not least, prepare a roadside
emergency kit including a flashlight with fresh batteries, a blanket,
food bars, water bottles, cell phone, jumper cables, flares, Fix-a-Flat, HELP
Sign, and a first aid kit.
Call and schedule your winter prep today. 315.539.5033Print valuable coupons for service specials here. ________________________________
Todd Sherman, Ken Gayhart and crew are ready and willing to help you with all your automotive needs. Please give our service department a call and we'd be happy to assist you. 315.539.5033
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