DRIVE Automotive

Our Auto Repair Professionals at DRIVE Automotive suggest the following tips to prepare your vehicle for winter:

Regular, routine maintenance can help improve your gasoline mileage, reduce pollution, and catch minor problems before they become big headaches.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE – Get engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at DRIVE Automotive. Cold weather makes existing problems worse. Replace dirty filters—air, fuel, PCV, etc.  A poorly running engine is less efficient and burns more gasoline.

TRANSMISSION – Often neglected until a major failure, routine checks and fluid changes at prescribed intervals can prevent very costly repairs down the line.

COOLING SYSTEM – The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.) Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled!  

BATTERY – Have your charging system checked for free at DRIVE Automotive.   Cold weather starts make the vehicle battery work much harder and getting stranded in the cold is no fun!

OIL AND FILTER – Change your oil and oil filter. Most manufacturers suggest changing every 3,000 miles.  Clean, high quality engine oil goes a long way in protecting the motor in cold start situations. Use the oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

ELECTRICAL – Visually inspect all lights; marker bulbs, tail lights, third level brake lights, especially headlights and driving lights. Daylight savings time requires bulbs to work longer hours.

TIRES – Worn out tires or those not specifically designed for winter weather — won’t accelerate, brake or handle well in snow or rain. Also, cold weather can cause your tire pressure to drop, so check it often and add air as needed to help increase road traction.  Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire-pressure once a month. Rotate as recommended. Don’t forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good

Consider purchasing snow tires  if you expect to drive in severe weather conditions. They help improve traction on slippery roadways. Or purchase new all-weather tires if you only drive in the snow once or twice a year.

WIPER BLADES – Visibility is key to your safety; make sure that your wiper blades are in top condition, to fully clear your windshield, and back window if the vehicle is equipped. Road salt and slush can jeopardize visibility. Use washer fluid containing de-icer and Rain-X Treatment on windows to avoid the chiseling of ice early in the morning.

BELTS & HOSES – Inspect your engine’s belts and hoses. Cracked, frayed or worn out rubber won’t stand up to temperature extremes. Don’t get stranded on your next trip because of a $10.00 belt or hose!  Have one of our Auto Repair Professionals check your belts and hoses during your next visit to DRIVE Automotive.

 AIR FILTER – Replace the Cabin Air Filter if the vehicle is equipped. Replace the Air Filter.  Outside contaminants from Fall and Summer driving are stranded in the air filters and running the heater on “high” in the extreme cold only sends the micro-particles deeper into the vehicle.

 Protect your vehicle’s paint. Rain, snow and salt are extremely tough on paint. A tough coating of quality car wax will add another barrier in-between road grime and your vehicle’s paint.

Last but not least, prepare a roadside emergency kit including a flashlight with fresh batteries, a blanket, food bars, water bottles, cell phone, jumper cables, flares, Fix-a-Flat, HELP Sign, and a first aid kit.

DRIVE Automotive