Friday, December 5, 2014

Winterizing Your Vehicle | Jim Doran Chevrolet Subaru



Are you ready for the upcoming winter and what it will be offering? Before you rush to the store for the last gallon of milk and loaf of bread, you’ll want to be sure your car is ready to battle the elements. Follow these tips before venturing out into the winter wonderland.
  • Get a Tune-Up. Have your mechanic check your hoses, belts 
    and anti-freeze. A weakened hose or belt can break and leave you stranded, or a 
    weak solution of anti-freeze can ice up and damage your cooling system. 
  • Check Your Battery. Make sure your car’s battery connection 
    is clean, tight and corrosion-free. The battery should be securely mounted. If 
    the battery is three years old or more, have it tested and replace it if 
    necessary.  
  • Check Your Heater and Defroster. If your heater isn’t 
    working, you’ll probably know. But what about front and rear defrosters? Before 
    you’re faced with a frosty windshield, turn your front and rear defrosters on 
    and off to make sure they’re working. 
  • Give Yourself a Brake. If you have the slightest concern 
    that something’s amiss with your brakes, get them inspected immediately. If you 
    have anti-lock brakes, you should avoid pumping the brakes if you begin to 
    slide.  
  • Have Your Exhaust System Checked. Ask your mechanic to 
    double check the exhaust system for leaks, which can emit dangerous carbon 
    monoxide into your car. If you become stuck in the snow and want to run the 
    engine and heater, make sure your tail pipe is clear of the snow and crack open 
    a window to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal. 
  • Fill up with Washer Fluid. Slush and mud splashed on a 
    windshield can spell danger for a winter driver. Make sure your washer fluid 
    reservoir is sufficiently full, and keep a spare jug in the trunk. 
  • Consider New Wiper Blades. Even if your windshield wiper blades 
    are in good condition, you might want to upgrade to a rubber coated snow blade 
    that can handle the extra weight of wet snow. They’re not expensive, and could 
    make your winter driving a lot safer in the long run. 
  • Take a Look at Your Tires. Your tires need to have adequate 
    tread with “grip” to propel you through the snow. 
  • Fill Her Up! One of the best driving tips for winter is to 
    keep your tank more than half full at all times. It will help you avoid 
    freezing in your fuel lines, and will keep you safer in winter weather 
    situations.
If for any reason you are in need of assistance with any one of these safety precautions please give us a call and we will be happy to help you in any way we can. Please visit Jim Doran Chevrolet Subaru online or contact us today!

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