Winter is a
beautiful time of year (when you're indoors enjoying your favorite hot
beverage). But winter also brings with it many dangers for those traveling on
the road. It’s amazing how many people spend time checking out the weather
before winter travelling without considering the state of their vehicle before
heading out into the storm. As with most things in life – better a little
caution than a great regret. Here are some tips and tricks to help keep you
safe this winter…assuming you haven't already done so.
- Check
the weather. Hey, we didn't say it was a bad
thing. We just think the state of your vehicle should be considered as
well. Know what you’re getting into.
- Check
the wipers both front and back. A good rule of
thumb is to replace them every six months. But for those of us who don't
have an internal wiper replacement reminder it's best replace them when
they start to squeak, chatter, or streak under normal rainy conditions.
- Top
off the fluids. Make sure you have the right fluids
in your car starting with windshield wiper fluid. Try to get one that
won't freeze, especially during snowy conditions. Make sure all the rest
of the fluids are topped off: brake fluid, transmission fluid, oil,
transfer case fluid (if applicable), radiator antifreeze, etc.
- Check
your belts and hoses. This can include the timing
belt, serpentine belt, radiator hoses, brake lines, coolant and heater
hoses. Look for cracking, fraying, or disintegration occurring to any of
the belts or hoses. If you have no clue where any of these things are
bring your car in. We’ll help you not only identify where these things
are, but what to look for.
- Get
your battery tested. Nothing's worse than to get
into a car on a freezing day with a dead battery. If you do not know how
old your battery is or need help determining its health, we are happy to
help.
- Kick
the tires. Make sure your tires have adequate
tread and air pressure for driving conditions. Believe it or not,
different air pressures are more helpful in different climate conditions.
Consult your owner's manual for the right pressure for your car for winter
conditions. It'll not only help you stay safe, but properly inflated tires
can also save you money in gas mileage.
- Carry
chains, an ice scraper/snow brush, and an emergency kit.
You may not have used many of these things in a while, if ever. But, they
are the things you do not want to be without when you need them. Some
people even include bottled water, a small amount of food, blankets, a
coat, and gloves as part of their emergency kit. It's really up to you.
The most important thing is to be prepared for the worst.
- Get
the heater and defroster checked. If there were ever
two things in the car we took for granted it's the heater and defroster. These
may seem to be working fine, but it may not be working to the best of its
ability. The effectiveness of these two items will vary from make and
model, but as with everything else described in the previous six areas,
they are crucial when dealing with winter conditions.
If you don't feel comfortable taking on any of these
areas on your own we understand. It can not only seem complicated, it can be
downright confusing. Let any of the service centers experts in the Olympia Auto
Mall car dealerships in Tacoma,WA help you get your car or truck in tiptop shape for
winter.
The
Olympia Automall – Washington’s Largest!!!