Winter Maintenance Tips
Winter can be a challenging time of the year for both drivers and vehicles alike. The cold temperature of the winter can place additional stress on the components of a vehicle, making it easier for the components to fail. However, there are several things that you can do before winter arrives to make sure that your vehicle continues to run smoothly during the winter. Additionally, there are several ways that you can maintain the condition of your vehicle through the winter.
Equip a Set of Winter Tires
It is especially important for drivers to practice proper tire maintenance during the winter, as tires are the only vehicle components that keep vehicles in contact with the road. If you expect snow in your area during the winter, then you should equip your vehicle with a set of winter tires once the temperatures begin to drop. Winter tires are designed to provide optimal traction for vehicles in both snow and ice. The tread designs that winter tires use allow the tires to dig into snow and ice and also allow the tires to efficiently expel snow and ice that has been caught in the tread.
Consider Snow Chains
Snow chains are special tools that are placed on the wheels of vehicles so that the vehicles can travel through heavy snow. Snow chains, however, are not necessary in most areas and are designed to be used in heavy snow conditions. Therefore, if you expect winter to bring heavy snowfall to your area, then you should purchase a set of snow chains to place over the tires of your vehicle’s wheels so that you can travel through the snow and ice-covered roads safely.
Keep Your Vehicle’s Battery in Check
Car batteries naturally produce less power over time, and the cold temperatures of the winter can reduce the power output of car batteries at a faster rate. Therefore, it is important for you to make sure that the battery in your vehicle is ready to handle the climate of the winter before it arrives. Have the battery of your vehicle inspected as you prepare your vehicle for the winter. During a battery inspection, the overall condition of your vehicle’s battery will be checked and the amount of power that the battery is providing will also be assessed. You can have your vehicle’s battery inspected by us here at Herrin-Gear Chevrolet.
Have a Wheel Alignment Done
The wheels of your vehicle need to be properly aligned with one another so that your vehicle’s suspension system can continue to perform as it is designed to. It is especially important for the suspension system of your vehicle to perform properly during the winter so that your vehicle has the traction that it needs on the road. During a wheel alignment, a technician will restore the original settings of your vehicle’s wheels. There are several different types of wheel alignments that are used on vehicles, but at Herrin-Gear Chevrolet, our technicians will determine what type of wheel alignment your vehicle needs so that its suspension can be properly restored.
Change Your Vehicle’s Fluids
There are several fluids that cycle around your vehicle as it is running. Over time, many of these fluids begin to break down in their compositions, making them less effective for your vehicle. Before winter arrives, make sure that your vehicle is full of fresh fluids. If any of the fluids in your vehicle is low, then add more of the fluid so that your vehicle has enough to use as it runs.
Bring a Roadside Emergency Kit
It is important for you to always be prepared for an emergency on the road. Before winter arrives, make sure that you put a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle so that you are adequately prepared for an emergency situation. You should include whatever items you believe will be necessary if you are stranded on the road during the winter. Items like extra food or an extra set of clothes will certainly help during an emergency situation. Also consider putting a set of jumper cables or a flashlight in your roadside emergency kit.
Keeping your vehicle well-maintained and prepared for the cold months of the winter will allow it to continue running reliably for you through the winter. Additionally, your vehicle will be able to keep you on the road safely when it is in its best condition during the winter. Visit us at Herrin-Gear Chevrolet so that we can provide you with the services that you need for your vehicle. If you would like to learn more about winter maintenance practices for your vehicle or would like to schedule a service with us, then contact us so that we can further assist you.