Dec 5, 2014
December is here and the brunt of Mother Nature’s winter wrath is on it’s way! We’ve been fortunate to have a long Fall season and the snow hasn’t hit us too hard just yet, but we all know that can and will change in the blink of an eye! There are a few important things you should do before the cold and snow move in to ensure you’ll be safe on the road this season:
1. Replace windshield wipers and fill wiper fluid. Wiper blades are made of rubber and with time, it’s inevitable that they’ll deteriorate. You don’t want to get caught in a freezing rain or snow storm without properly functioning windshield wipers. Wiper fluid helps break up snow and ice, so can be just as important as the blades in winter conditions. Decreased visibility results in dangerous driving conditions, so please be sure to check your blades and fluid before the snow starts falling!
2. Check your battery. During cold winter months, your vehicle’s engine needs to work harder which puts more pressure on the battery. Don’t get stuck in the cold with a car that won’t start, have your battery checked before it needs to start working harder.
3. Check tire pressure. When roads are slick, your tires can be your best friend. Make sure you have enough tread and consider getting snow tires. If your tread is adequate and you don’t want to replace the tires, simply making sure tire pressure is at the right level can make all the difference. When tires are deflated even slightly, the tread closes up and traction is significantly decreased.
4. Check your brakes. If you need your brakes replaced, now is the time to take care of that repair. Icy and slippery roads always create more driving hazards, so it’s one of the most important times to ensure your brakes are functioning properly.
5. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Regardless of how safely you drive and how winterized your vehicle is, there’s always the chance that something can happen and leave you waiting in the bitter cold. Having an emergency kit could be a life saver. Make sure you have basic necessities such as warmth, light, water, first aid and tools to signal for help. It’s also always a good idea to have some non-perishable food and extra blankets on hand just in case.
Please come see our service department if you need anything done to prepare your vehicle for winter. We’ll be happy to do an inspection and help you with any work that should be done to keep you safe, warm and prepared!
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