Vehicle Maintenance for Safe Winter Driving
Before winter strikes in full force, visit your local auto shop to check up on some of the vehicle maintenance items you've been putting off because of a busy fall schedule. Make sure you are ready for whatever winter brings by having any necessary car maintenance services taken care of as soon as possible.
Here is a list of vehicle components that may need special attention with preventative vehicle maintenance:
- Battery and Charging System: A fully charged battery can be the difference between getting to work on time or being stuck in your driveway. Ask your auto mechanic to check your car battery to make sure it will last through the cold temperatures or if a replacement might be necessary.
- Belts and Hoses: Frayed or cracked belts should be replaced, and any leaks and lose hoses should be repaired.
- Tires: Temperatures that are consistently below 45°F will affect rubber not specifically formulated for the cold. Even "all season" tires can have reduced performance in cold temperatures. Winter tires are a good choice with specially formulated tread rubber for the best traction and handling. Check air pressure frequently as cold temperatures can affect it negatively. Don't drive bald--tread should not measure less than 3/32 of an inch.
- Lights: Make sure all lights are working properly. If bulbs are burned out, check with your auto center for the right replacement. You want to see and be seen!
- Wiper Blades/Washer Fluid: If the windshield is streaky when it rains, it's time for a new pair of wiper blades. Make sure there is plenty of windshield washer fluid in the reservoir.
- Brakes: Fully functioning brakes are vital for safety. Make sure it a brake inspection is included in your car service.
Remember to keep an emergency road kit in your car, including the items below:
- Sand or salt/traction mats
- Snow brush/ice scraper, shovel
- Jumper cables
- Windshield washer fluid
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Cloth or paper towels
- Gloves, hats, blankets, boots
- Flares or other warning devices
- Non-perishable food and drinking water
- First-aid kit and basic toolkit
- Mobile phone with car charger, preloaded with roadside assistance phone numbers.
Schedule a car maintenance service today for a full inspection to ensure your vehicle is ready for any type of weather.
Need to schedule a preventative vehicle maintenance service? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair by calling 507-625-8005, for more information. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
Before winter strikes in full force, visit your local auto shop to check up on some of the vehicle maintenance items you've been putting off because of a busy fall schedule. Make sure you are ready for whatever winter brings by having any necessary car maintenance services taken care of as soon as possible.
Here is a list of vehicle components that may need special attention with preventative vehicle maintenance:
- Battery and Charging System: A fully charged battery can be the difference between getting to work on time or being stuck in your driveway. Ask your auto mechanic to check your car battery to make sure it will last through the cold temperatures or if a replacement might be necessary.
- Belts and Hoses: Frayed or cracked belts should be replaced, and any leaks and lose hoses should be repaired.
- Tires: Temperatures that are consistently below 45°F will affect rubber not specifically formulated for the cold. Even "all season" tires can have reduced performance in cold temperatures. Winter tires are a good choice with specially formulated tread rubber for the best traction and handling. Check air pressure frequently as cold temperatures can affect it negatively. Don't drive bald--tread should not measure less than 3/32 of an inch.
- Lights: Make sure all lights are working properly. If bulbs are burned out, check with your auto center for the right replacement. You want to see and be seen!
- Wiper Blades/Washer Fluid: If the windshield is streaky when it rains, it's time for a new pair of wiper blades. Make sure there is plenty of windshield washer fluid in the reservoir.
- Brakes: Fully functioning brakes are vital for safety. Make sure it a brake inspection is included in your car service.
Remember to keep an emergency road kit in your car, including the items below:
- Sand or salt/traction mats
- Snow brush/ice scraper, shovel
- Jumper cables
- Windshield washer fluid
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Cloth or paper towels
- Gloves, hats, blankets, boots
- Flares or other warning devices
- Non-perishable food and drinking water
- First-aid kit and basic toolkit
- Mobile phone with car charger, preloaded with roadside assistance phone numbers.
Schedule a car maintenance service today for a full inspection to ensure your vehicle is ready for any type of weather.
Need to schedule a preventative vehicle maintenance service? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair by calling 507-625-8005, for more information. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
