Five Winter Driving Tips From An Auto Center!
Every time you head down the road, especially on a cold winter day, whether it’s just for a short commute to work or school or you’re going to the mountains for some fun in the snow, you certainly want a reliable and safe vehicle! Call your auto shop to schedule an inspection of your vehicle to determine if there are potential problems that could be developing. The last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road or looking for an auto shop to take care of an urgent repair.
Stay safe on winter roads with these five tips from an auto shop:
- Keep basic maintenance services up-to-date: Check all the fluids (oil, brake, transmission, anti-freeze, etc.), and change or top-off as necessary. Check the brakes, battery, exterior lights (headlights, brakes, back-up lights, blinkers, and fog lights) to make sure all functioning properly. Check your wiper blades and replace them if needed.
- Inspect tires: Inspect your tires for uneven or abnormal wear, inflation pressure, and tread depth. Having the tires rotated for better traction on wet roads would be smart, but if the tread is too shallow, it would be wiser to purchase new tires, possibly snow tires, for winter driving.
- Keep your vehicle clean: To be more comfortable, keep your vehicle cleaned out! All-weather floor mats are easy to clean and will help protect your carpets. Also, be sure your windows are clean so nothing is obstructing your view. Don’t carry around excess “stuff” that could decrease fuel efficiency.
- Check the antifreeze/water ratio: Inspect the radiator to make sure the ratio of anti-freeze and water is adequate for freezing temperatures, and that there are no cracks or bulges in the hoses. Add washer fluid with antifreeze to the windshield washer reservoir.
- Pack emergency supplies: Be sure to pack emergency supplies in the event of a breakdown. This should include warm blankets, water, snacks, flares, jumper cables, a jack, flashlight and batteries, cell phone, and charger. You may also want to include chains if you’re driving in a snowy area.
Of course, you can’t always guarantee that the unexpected won’t happen. But if you follow the tips above, you will be able to drive with peace of mind, knowing that you have done everything you could to ensure a stress-free drive!
Call your auto center to take care of maintenance and repairs before you have an emergency. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
Every time you head down the road, especially on a cold winter day, whether it’s just for a short commute to work or school or you’re going to the mountains for some fun in the snow, you certainly want a reliable and safe vehicle! Call your auto shop to schedule an inspection of your vehicle to determine if there are potential problems that could be developing. The last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road or looking for an auto shop to take care of an urgent repair.
Stay safe on winter roads with these five tips from an auto shop:
- Keep basic maintenance services up-to-date: Check all the fluids (oil, brake, transmission, anti-freeze, etc.), and change or top-off as necessary. Check the brakes, battery, exterior lights (headlights, brakes, back-up lights, blinkers, and fog lights) to make sure all functioning properly. Check your wiper blades and replace them if needed.
- Inspect tires: Inspect your tires for uneven or abnormal wear, inflation pressure, and tread depth. Having the tires rotated for better traction on wet roads would be smart, but if the tread is too shallow, it would be wiser to purchase new tires, possibly snow tires, for winter driving.
- Keep your vehicle clean: To be more comfortable, keep your vehicle cleaned out! All-weather floor mats are easy to clean and will help protect your carpets. Also, be sure your windows are clean so nothing is obstructing your view. Don’t carry around excess “stuff” that could decrease fuel efficiency.
- Check the antifreeze/water ratio: Inspect the radiator to make sure the ratio of anti-freeze and water is adequate for freezing temperatures, and that there are no cracks or bulges in the hoses. Add washer fluid with antifreeze to the windshield washer reservoir.
- Pack emergency supplies: Be sure to pack emergency supplies in the event of a breakdown. This should include warm blankets, water, snacks, flares, jumper cables, a jack, flashlight and batteries, cell phone, and charger. You may also want to include chains if you’re driving in a snowy area.
Of course, you can’t always guarantee that the unexpected won’t happen. But if you follow the tips above, you will be able to drive with peace of mind, knowing that you have done everything you could to ensure a stress-free drive!
Call your auto center to take care of maintenance and repairs before you have an emergency. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
