Fall is Here and Old Man Winter is Just Around the Corner

As the winter season approaches, it is easy to forget about giving your car the tender loving care it needs to stay healthy. But with the start of heavy snow, icy roads and cold weather, now is the time to prepare your car for the winter.  

Cold weather makes pliable material stiffer and more brittle and can make fluids thicker. We live in an area with severe winter weather, and know how dangerous the roads can get and the unique problems winter weather can create for your car.

Check out our list of top 5 winter car care tips!

1.    Bring your car in for a tune-up

If you haven’t taken your car to the shop for a while, now is the time to do so. A tune-up will help keep your car running longer and may save you money by detecting potential problems early.

2.    Let us Check your Tires

On slippery or icy roads, your tires are extremely important to giving you stability and controlled handling.  So before the weather takes a turn for the worse, make sure to check your tires’ pressure and wear. You should also take your tires in to get rotated and properly balanced.  If you’re in an area with particularly severe winter weather or rural area, you should consider purchasing a set of snow tires which are made specifically for snowy and icy surfaces.

3.    Let us Check your Fluids Levels

Make sure to check that the transmission, brake, power steering and windshield washer fluids and coolants are filled to proper levels. You should use de-icer windshield washer fluid which will help clear light ice and frost while preventing re-freezing.

4.    Make a Winter Emergency Kit

In addition to the emergency road kit you should already have in your car, it is a good idea to have a special winter car kit. This kit should include things like cat litter or sand for tire traction on snow and ice, an ice scraper and de-icing liquid.

5.    Let us Check your Air Filters

During the summer and fall, contaminants can get caught in your air filters and will eventually get caught inside your vehicle and cause problems. If you see any debris caught on the filter, it’s a good idea to get the filter replaced.

West Side Tire and Service is you one-stop-shop to prepare your vehicles for the rough winter ahead.  Make an appointment today! http://westsidetireservice.com/