• Preventive maintenance - basic car care helps save from a breakdown or unexpected repair. Check your oil level, and add oil if necessary. You should change your oil around every 3,000-6,000 miles (depending on the grade of oil used in your vehicle). So, if it has been a while change it out. Consider having your vehicle inspected for a tune up every 30,000 miles.
• Check HVAC System - proper heating & cooling performance is critiical for safety ex. defrosting.
• Check washer fluid - water will freeze on your windshield. Cold-weather/Winter washer fluid will not freeze in colder temperatures. Also make sure the reservoir is full - ALSO NEVER PUT HOT WATER ON A COLD WINDSHIELD.
• Check Windshield Wiper Blades and Lights - Visibility is important in the fall and winter months. The days are shorter and the nights longer, and there is always the chance that you are going to find yourself driving in inclement weather. You need to take precautions to make sure you can see, and that you are seen. Check that all exterior lights are working and that your headlights are properly aimed. Check that your wiper blades are in good condition. Check for deterioration and change if needed. If you think you will be driving in winter weather, maybe consider using winter/snow blades.
• Check battery charge - cold temperatures can decrease the battery life.
• Check tire pressure - air pressure decreases 1-2 lbs for every 10 degrees of temperature change.
• Check tire tread - consider winter tires for the winter months of snow and ice.
• Check fluid levels - this can alert of a needed service or potential problem.
• Check your belts and hoses for any signs of fraying, cracking or leaking. Replace them if necessary. Make sure all filters (engine air and cabin air) are in good condition.
• Brakes inspection is necessary to make sure the brakes are in proper working order. If something needs attention, don’t delay.  Avoiding brake repair is extremely dangerous at any time, but even more so in adverse winter conditions. Also, putting off brake repair could damage your rotors which is considerably more expensive to repair.
• Check Cooliny System- .Check your owner’s manual for the proper coolant mixture, which is usually a 60/40 or 50/50 antifreeze-to-water ratio. Make sure the antifreeze is at the proper level and add more if needed. If it looks like it is in poor condition, have a flush-and-fill done. Check radiator hoses and replace or tighten if needed.
• Purchase or DYI an emegerancy kit to keep in your vehicle: Jumper cables, flares, ice scrapers, road salt, flashlights, flares, blankets, first aid materials and snacks are all good to include in your kit.

PLEASE CALL US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS YOU MAY HAVE WITH YOUR VEHICLE.