Though the holidays have come to a close, there are still
several more months of winter weather left! Some of us love winter, and your
car can love winter too! But, hazards like icy roads, salted streets, freezing
temperatures and heavy snow can keep you and your car from enjoying the season
to its fullest. As a full service auto
care shop around Minneapolis, we would like to provide you with a handy
checklist to keep you, your family and your auto safe.
Check Coolant Levels
Contrary to its name, coolant is an essential to keeping
your engine from freezing. You may have already noticed towers of this stuff
popping up at your local gas station, that’s because it’s an absolute winter
essential! Make sure your vehicle is never low on coolant and that there aren’t
any leaks in your engine, this could cause unwanted drainage.
Check Your Lights
Snow can make driving a little hazy. That’s why you should
always provide the brightest illumination possible for the road in front of you.
Make sure all of your car’s lights are in excellent shape and if a bulb is out,
get it fixed right away! Or, when you’re scraping snow off of your car, if you
notice snow is covering a headlight, make sure to remove it as well.
Check Your Washer Fluid
Salt is what makes this an absolute winter auto care
essential. With each snowfall comes a new layer of salt on the roads. As messy
roads abound and salt continues to get kicked onto your windshield from the car
in front of you, constant window washing is a necessity to see where you’re
going.
Check Tire Pressure
Tire pressure can drop along with the temperature, losing up
to one pound with every ten degrees! Not only can driving with low tire
pressure cause tread separation, your car is no longer able to handle the roads
with predictability, something everyone needs on a snow packed street. Also, if
it’s not the temperature that’s to blame, it could be something else like a tear
or a nail, so best to check
your tires.
Bring Your Survival Kit
A survival kit is always a good idea. Select one that
includes flares, a knife, a flashlight, matches or tea light candles for an
alternative heat source, a blanket, a first-aid kit, jumper cables and a cell
phone charger.
At Auto Electric we want you, your family and your vehicle
to be as safe as possible no matter the season. Do you need auto care service
and repair around Minneapolis? Call Auto Electric at 763-537-1221 or you can Contact Us.
