If you are anything like us here at St. Amand Auto & Truck Repair, we love the fall, however with the beautiful colours also comes the urge to hibernate. Before we close ourselves in for the Niagara winter come on over so we can prepare you and your automobile for winter driving. Taking a few precautions to prepare your car for winter weather will help it perform better and safer this season. Wondering what to check? Let us help you out!
First and foremost we know that tires are possibly the most important part of your vehicle, good winter tires maintain your vehicles ability to stop, steer and accelerate even in the bitter cold. If you are not already running out to buy some winter rubbers this minute here are a few more incentives for you to consider; your insurance company will offer you a discount and it saves your summer tires from all year long wear and tear. St. Amand Auto & Truck Repair will also offer tire storage for your convenience. If you have already invested in a set of winter tires come by and get them inspected, tire pressure can also make a difference in the reliability of your winter tires.
As the temperature drops a minor car maintenance problem can quickly turn into a real emergency. Are you prepared for a potential breakdown? A reliable safety and roadside kit is always a good idea, these are easy to make yourself and should include; blanket and extra clothing, first aid kit, ice scraper and snow brush, flashlight and batteries, battery jumper cables, bag of sand or salt or kitty litter and a small shovel.
Those are some of the big things to keep in mind with your vehicle as the winter weather hits, there are a few other items to check off your winter prep checklist;
- Ensure that your washer fluid is rated for -40°C weather; some will say all year round however will freeze at 0°C weather, also consider carrying an extra jug in your vehicle.
- Get the antifreeze (coolant) checked, in order to keep the cooling system at peak performance come on in for a flush and fill.
- Get your battery load tested to be sure that it is strong enough to get you through the winter, best thing to do is give your car a chance to warm up which gives the battery a chance to recharge.
Getting your car ready for the winter weather is not as difficult as it sounds if you are thinking ahead, being prepared for anything that winter weather can dish out is clearly important. We look forward to you coming to visit us at St. Amand Auto & Truck Repair so we can do a complete check over of your automobile and deem you winter ready!
See you soon!
The St. Amand Auto & Truck Repair Family
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