Winter is here with its freezing temperatures and icy roads. Many people may be planning to head to Grandma’s house for the holidays, or perhaps up to the mountains for fun in the snow. Be sure to schedule a pre-trip inspection at our auto repair shop to make sure all the recommended auto repair services are up-to-date before you head down the road. Even small problems can turn your fun trip into a dangerous situation.
Here are a few simple tips to help prevent an unexpected breakdown:
- Have all recommended auto repair services performed: If any services are due while you’ll be gone (such as oil changes, tire rotation, etc.), have them taken care of before you leave.
- Pay attention to signs of potential problems: If you notice unusual vibrations, irregular noises, or “drifting” down the road, head to your auto repair shop so they can determine the cause of the problem and make the appropriate repair before it turns into an emergency situation.
- Schedule a pre-trip inspection, which includes:
- Check the level of oil and have it changed if it is due while you are gone.
- Rotate tires, and check wheel alignment, tire balance, air pressure, and tread wear. Also, check the condition of the spare tire if your car comes equipped with one.
- The battery should be holding a strong charge and the alternator should be doing its job of keeping it charged.
- Check the level of all fluids and top-off as needed, including anti-freeze in the radiator, brakes, steering, transmission, and windshield cleaner.
- Replace the air filter if it has reached the recommended mileage interval.
- Make sure the horn is loud and clear for use in emergency situations.
- Replace the windshield wipers if they are older than six months.
- Replace burned-out or broken bulbs.
- Make sure the A/C compressor is working so the heater works properly.
- Pack an emergency kit: Make sure you have first aid supplies, roadside flares, an extra quart of oil, extra fuses, a flashlight, a multipurpose tool, a tire inflator and jack, a few rags, a phone charger, bottled water, a blanket, some snacks. If driving in snowy conditions, carry chains and kitty litter for ice.
Looking for a trustworthy auto repair shop before your winter road trip? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about needed auto repair services and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
Winter is here with its freezing temperatures and icy roads. Many people may be planning to head to Grandma’s house for the holidays, or perhaps up to the mountains for fun in the snow. Be sure to schedule a pre-trip inspection at our auto repair shop to make sure all the recommended auto repair services are up-to-date before you head down the road. Even small problems can turn your fun trip into a dangerous situation.
Here are a few simple tips to help prevent an unexpected breakdown:
- Have all recommended auto repair services performed: If any services are due while you’ll be gone (such as oil changes, tire rotation, etc.), have them taken care of before you leave.
- Pay attention to signs of potential problems: If you notice unusual vibrations, irregular noises, or “drifting” down the road, head to your auto repair shop so they can determine the cause of the problem and make the appropriate repair before it turns into an emergency situation.
- Schedule a pre-trip inspection, which includes:
- Check the level of oil and have it changed if it is due while you are gone.
- Rotate tires, and check wheel alignment, tire balance, air pressure, and tread wear. Also, check the condition of the spare tire if your car comes equipped with one.
- The battery should be holding a strong charge and the alternator should be doing its job of keeping it charged.
- Check the level of all fluids and top-off as needed, including anti-freeze in the radiator, brakes, steering, transmission, and windshield cleaner.
- Replace the air filter if it has reached the recommended mileage interval.
- Make sure the horn is loud and clear for use in emergency situations.
- Replace the windshield wipers if they are older than six months.
- Replace burned-out or broken bulbs.
- Make sure the A/C compressor is working so the heater works properly.
- Pack an emergency kit: Make sure you have first aid supplies, roadside flares, an extra quart of oil, extra fuses, a flashlight, a multipurpose tool, a tire inflator and jack, a few rags, a phone charger, bottled water, a blanket, some snacks. If driving in snowy conditions, carry chains and kitty litter for ice.
Looking for a trustworthy auto repair shop before your winter road trip? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about needed auto repair services and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
