The wintery weather in East Texas is quickly approaching along with the holidays and lots of holiday road traffic. When you start to fill the chill in the air, that’s your signal to get your vehicle ready for the winter months ahead.
It’s more important than ever during these winter months that your vehicle be well tuned, adjusted and ready for the dropping temperatures, driving conditions, and that crazy holiday traffic. Do we even need we mention the traffic up and down Broadway or around Broadway Square Mall?
At Stewart’s Donnybrook Automotive in Tyler, we care about your safety and want to make sure you and your vehicle are well prepared for winter travel. Here are just a few of the steps that we recommend you take to prepare and winterize your car to ensure your safety.
First, take a look at your owner’s manual. It will have the most accurate info on how to specifically take care of your car. We always recommend reading the owner’s manual and following your manufacturer’s recommendations. We will be happy to review and discuss the suggestions given.
Second, keep a well-stocked emergency kit in your car. This will help you be prepared in the event of an accident or becoming stranded in the cold weather.. Some things to consider including in your kit are a flashlight and first-aid kit, jumper tables, a blanket and warm clothes, an ice scraper, extra windshield wiper fluid, kitty litter (for regaining traction), and non perishable snacks. While having these items won’t prevent an accident from occurring, they can greatly help keep you prepared until you are able to get safely back on the road.
Next, how can Stewart’s Donnybrook help you with the manufacturer’s recommended winter preparations for your car or truck?
Your vehicle’s mixture of antifreeze and water is about a 50/50 ratio. During the colder months you need to ensure that it stays close to this ratio. Should there be more water, there is a higher likelihood that the fluid might freeze within the cooling system and your car’s cold weather performance could be drastically affected. Let us check and adjust the levels of your car’s coolant ratio for optimal performance and safety.
If your windshield wipers are more than a year old or look worn out or, replace them before the winter months set in. Rain and sleet can make it harder to see and create a serious driving hazard to you and other drivers. It’s also important to replace the washer fluid as well; using a cold-weather specific fluid will make sure that it doesn’t freeze in the cold winter temperatures.
Did you know that extreme cold temperatures can reduce your car’s battery power by up to 50 percent? If your battery is more than 4 years old, it may be wise to replace your battery before the winter months. We also suggest having your battery tested to determine its’ ability to hold a charge.
The cold temperatures can have a serious impact on your tires. The cold will cause the tire pressure to decrease, which will affect your vehicle’s handling and ability to grip the road. It is also extremely important to check the tread life of your tires because bald tires will be dangerous on wet or icy roads. Maintaining control of your car or truck when on slick or icy roads is of utmost important for your safety. Don’t neglect to have your tires checked as part of your winterizing plan.
It’s inevitable; you come out to get in your car and your car’s windshield has a beautiful, but dangerous, coating of ice. It can be almost impossible to drive without relying on your defroster. When your window is covered in ice or frost, the defroster, along with the heater, are necessities for driving safely and comfortably. A heater blowing cold air and fogged up windows will potentially make each trip in your vehicle uncomfortable and potentially unsafe for you and your passengers. Before the cold days of winter set in in East Texas, let us check that your heating system and defroster are ready to keep you safe and comfortable.
Never underestimate the value of a full tune-up at Stewart’s- especially in preparation for the colder, winter months. Give us a call, and we will be happy to discuss the manufacturer’s recommendations for winterizing your vehicle. Whether it’s a fluid check, tire pressure check, heater blower, or just to ensure the different basic comforts are operational, having your car inspected each year is the best way to prevent unexpected incidents or failures on the road.
The cooler temperatures are a reminder to prepare your vehicle for the upcoming winter months to help ensure the safety of you and your family on the road. Unfortunately, many drivers focus on winterizing their vehicle after a problem has occured. Be proactive! Give Gary or another of our professional team members a call to discuss the unique winterization needs for your car, SUV, or truck. We care about your safety!