What Should Car Service Include for Winter Driving?
In many parts of the county, people are enjoying the cooler fall days. Probably the last thing on their mind is vehicle maintenance. However, winter will soon be here with its rain and snow. Just as you prepare your wardrobe for the cold and rain (getting your coats and boots out of storage), don’t forget to get your car ready too.
Ask your car repair mechanic about what should car service include to get ready for winter driving. The first thing to do is to schedule a full-point inspection of all the systems and components of your vehicle so that you know are driving as safe as possible. This inspection should include:
- Car Battery--The battery connections should be clean, tight, and corrosion-free. Get your battery tested so you’re not left stranded some cold morning. It may simply need to be recharged, or if it is starting to fail, it may need to be replaced.
- Windshield and Wiper Blades--Wiper blades generally start to lose their effectiveness in as little as six months. If there are streaking or missed areas of glass, they should be replaced. Chips in your windshield could become large cracks if not repaired. Or, to be on the safe side, have your windshield replaced.
- Lights--Check that all the lights are working and clean so that you'll have optimum visibility at night or on dark days so that other drivers can see you coming or going.
- Oil--Generally, a multi-viscosity oil that has a "W" in the viscosity index (check your owner’s manual for your specific car) can be used year-round as it provides the best oil flow at either hot or cold temperatures. Also, check the oil level frequently.
- Radiator, Hoses, and Belts--Have the radiator and hoses checked for cracks, leaks, or contamination from oil or grease. The hoses should be firm yet pliable. Ask your mechanic to check the antifreeze mixture in your radiator. It may be time actually flush the radiator and add a new anti-freeze.
- Tires--If you drive a lot in rainy or snowy conditions, you may want to use all-season or snow tires. Check inflation pressure every month. Under-inflated adversely affect steering and fuel economy, plus wearing out the tires faster.
- Brakes--If you feel any vibration, hear squealing, or the brake pedal feels “soft,” have your brakes inspected and repaired as soon as possible for better-stopping performance.
Need to find quality car repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about what should car service include for winter and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
In many parts of the county, people are enjoying the cooler fall days. Probably the last thing on their mind is vehicle maintenance. However, winter will soon be here with its rain and snow. Just as you prepare your wardrobe for the cold and rain (getting your coats and boots out of storage), don’t forget to get your car ready too.
Ask your car repair mechanic about what should car service include to get ready for winter driving. The first thing to do is to schedule a full-point inspection of all the systems and components of your vehicle so that you know are driving as safe as possible. This inspection should include:
- Car Battery--The battery connections should be clean, tight, and corrosion-free. Get your battery tested so you’re not left stranded some cold morning. It may simply need to be recharged, or if it is starting to fail, it may need to be replaced.
- Windshield and Wiper Blades--Wiper blades generally start to lose their effectiveness in as little as six months. If there are streaking or missed areas of glass, they should be replaced. Chips in your windshield could become large cracks if not repaired. Or, to be on the safe side, have your windshield replaced.
- Lights--Check that all the lights are working and clean so that you'll have optimum visibility at night or on dark days so that other drivers can see you coming or going.
- Oil--Generally, a multi-viscosity oil that has a "W" in the viscosity index (check your owner’s manual for your specific car) can be used year-round as it provides the best oil flow at either hot or cold temperatures. Also, check the oil level frequently.
- Radiator, Hoses, and Belts--Have the radiator and hoses checked for cracks, leaks, or contamination from oil or grease. The hoses should be firm yet pliable. Ask your mechanic to check the antifreeze mixture in your radiator. It may be time actually flush the radiator and add a new anti-freeze.
- Tires--If you drive a lot in rainy or snowy conditions, you may want to use all-season or snow tires. Check inflation pressure every month. Under-inflated adversely affect steering and fuel economy, plus wearing out the tires faster.
- Brakes--If you feel any vibration, hear squealing, or the brake pedal feels “soft,” have your brakes inspected and repaired as soon as possible for better-stopping performance.
Need to find quality car repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about what should car service include for winter and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
