Whether you’re just driving to work or school, or you’re headed to the mountains to play in the snow, you want a safe and reliable vehicle, especially on a cold winter day! You certainly don’t want to break down on the side of the road, waiting for a tow truck to the nearest auto repair shop! The best way to prevent this is to take care of all recommended auto repair items as soon as possible. Call your auto repair shop to schedule an inspection of your vehicle to determine if there are any problems that could be developing.
These five tips offered by an auto repair shop will help you drive as safe as possible on winter roads:
- Basic maintenance should be kept up-to-date: Check all the fluids (oil, brake, transmission, anti-freeze, etc.), and change or top-off as necessary. Check the brakes, battery, exterior lights (headlights, brakes, back-up lights, blinkers, and fog lights) to make sure all functioning properly. The windshield wiper blades may also need to be replaced.
- Inspect tires: Inspect your tires for uneven or abnormal wear, inflation pressure, and tread depth. Having the tires rotated for better traction on wet roads would be smart, but if the tread is too shallow, it would be wiser to purchase new tires, possibly snow tires, for winter driving.
- Keep your vehicle clean: Keep your vehicle cleaned out! All-weather floor mats are easy to clean and will help protect your carpets. Also, be sure your windows are clean so nothing is obstructing your view. Don’t carry around excess “stuff” that could decrease fuel efficiency.
- Check the antifreeze/water ratio: Inspect the radiator to make sure the ratio of anti-freeze and water is adequate for freezing temperatures, and that there are no cracks or bulges in the hoses. Also, use a windshield washer fluid that includes antifreeze.
- Pack emergency items: An emergency kit should include warm blankets, water, snacks, flares, jumper cables, a jack, flashlight and batteries, a cell phone, and a charger. You may also want to include chains if you’re driving in a snowy area.
Of course, the unexpected could still happen. But by following the tips above, you will have more confidence in your vehicle, knowing that you have done everything you could to ensure a stress-free drive!
Take care of needed auto repair issues as soon as possible. Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair to schedule an appointment. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
Whether you’re just driving to work or school, or you’re headed to the mountains to play in the snow, you want a safe and reliable vehicle, especially on a cold winter day! You certainly don’t want to break down on the side of the road, waiting for a tow truck to the nearest auto repair shop! The best way to prevent this is to take care of all recommended auto repair items as soon as possible. Call your auto repair shop to schedule an inspection of your vehicle to determine if there are any problems that could be developing.
These five tips offered by an auto repair shop will help you drive as safe as possible on winter roads:
- Basic maintenance should be kept up-to-date: Check all the fluids (oil, brake, transmission, anti-freeze, etc.), and change or top-off as necessary. Check the brakes, battery, exterior lights (headlights, brakes, back-up lights, blinkers, and fog lights) to make sure all functioning properly. The windshield wiper blades may also need to be replaced.
- Inspect tires: Inspect your tires for uneven or abnormal wear, inflation pressure, and tread depth. Having the tires rotated for better traction on wet roads would be smart, but if the tread is too shallow, it would be wiser to purchase new tires, possibly snow tires, for winter driving.
- Keep your vehicle clean: Keep your vehicle cleaned out! All-weather floor mats are easy to clean and will help protect your carpets. Also, be sure your windows are clean so nothing is obstructing your view. Don’t carry around excess “stuff” that could decrease fuel efficiency.
- Check the antifreeze/water ratio: Inspect the radiator to make sure the ratio of anti-freeze and water is adequate for freezing temperatures, and that there are no cracks or bulges in the hoses. Also, use a windshield washer fluid that includes antifreeze.
- Pack emergency items: An emergency kit should include warm blankets, water, snacks, flares, jumper cables, a jack, flashlight and batteries, a cell phone, and a charger. You may also want to include chains if you’re driving in a snowy area.
Of course, the unexpected could still happen. But by following the tips above, you will have more confidence in your vehicle, knowing that you have done everything you could to ensure a stress-free drive!
Take care of needed auto repair issues as soon as possible. Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair to schedule an appointment. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
