Tag: winter driving

Winterize Your Car With These 5 Simple Steps

Winterize your carTwo weeks ago Minnesotans were taking their boats out for one last ride on the lake, and today we’re buried beneath a few inches of snow. Hopefully you took time during the warm days to prep your car for winter driving, but if you didn’t here are five steps you’ll want to take now that the weather has turned cold.

1. Antifreeze and Other Fluids – Antifreeze keeps your car’s fluids from freezing up, so make sure it’s at an appropriate level. Also, give your transmission and brake fluids a second look to ensure they aren’t running low or are past their prime.

2. Tire Care – If you use winter tires, now is the time swap out your seasonal tires. If you use all-season tires, make sure the tread is still at an appropriate level. Use this blog post to determine if your tires still have a safe level of tread.

3. Winter Car Kit – Most people leave their scrapers and jumper cables in their car throughout the year, but if you take them out for extra storage space in the summer, now is the time to throw them back in your vehicle. Also, other things you’ll want to keep in your car in the event of an emergency include: roadside flashers, a flashlight, a first aid kit and any tools needed to fix a flat tire.

4. Battery Prep – Last year was one of the coldest winters in Minnesota history, and there’s little reason to think we’re in store for a warmer winter season this year. Your battery has a shelf life of 3 to 5 years, but the cold weather can shorten its lifespan. If you notice your engine is having a tough time turning over, swing on in for a battery check to determine if it needs to be replaced.

5. Mentally Prepare – Sometimes the biggest hazard to a car is the driver. As you ease into your winter driving routine, give yourself extra time to get places and take things slow. You won’t be able to stop as quickly on icy roads, so drive smart and stayed focused when driving in adverse conditions.

In the event that you end up in a winter fender bender or you want some work done before more snow falls, give Affordable Auto a call today!

Top 3 Car Problems Caused By Winter Weather

8641997_sWinter weather is here to stay, and colder temperatures usually lead to a spike in car problems. Whether your car won’t start, or you can’t keep it on the road, we’ve seen all sorts of automobile issues during the cold months. Below, we discuss the top three car problems that occur during the winter.

#1 Fender Benders

All it takes is a small patch of ice to cause a multi vehicle crash and shut down a highway. Don’t believe us? Check out this video that was taken in Wisconsin earlier this month.

It all began when one driver went a little to faster over a slick patch of road, and everything snowballed from there. Usually winter accidents aren’t this massive, but they tend to occur in the same manner. One driver can’t stop in time, and front bumper meets back bumper. Even if it’s no fault of your own, we can handle any body issues that might arise this winter.

#2 Battery Issues

Cold temperatures can affect your car’s battery, which in turn can lead to issues when starting your car. We receive plenty of calls during the cold months from people who can’t get their car to start.

To combat this issue, make sure your battery is in good shape before the cold arrives. Hopefully you’ve been doing the regular fluid level checks that we documented in a previous blog, as you can determine your battery’s health by giving it a quick look. A new battery is a quick and easy way to help make sure your car starts even in really cold temperatures.

#3 New Tires

This one isn’t so much of an issue, but it can cause an accident if you aren’t careful. Many people swing on into our garage in need of new tires for the winter months. Whether you’re looking for winter tires, or you simply want all-season tires with new tread, we’ve got you covered.

New tires hold the road significantly better than bald or worn tires. A fresh pair of wheels can make the difference between stopping in time or getting into a fender bender. Many people make the wise decision this time of year to stock up on a new set of wheels.

If you run into any of the above issues this winter, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here rain, shine, or snow!

How to Prepare Your Car for Winter

Car WinterBrace yourself. Winter is coming. Make sure you take appropriate steps to ensure your car is ready for another cold Minnesota winter. Below, we share some tips to help you winterize your car.

Repack Your Trunk – It’s time to take the beach ball out of your trunk and load it up with winter essentials. The first thing you’ll want to add is a blanket or an extra coat. In the event that you get stranded on a particularly cold day, the extra layer will help keep you warm until help arrives. Another good item to pack in your trunk is a sandbag. If you drive a small compact car, the sandbag will help give your car some added weight, which can help keep it on the road. If you find yourself stuck on some ice, the sand can help give you traction to get back on the road.

Lastly, pack something that will help make you visible to drivers in the event that you end up in a ditch. A minor accident can turn fatal if other drivers can’t see your stalled car on the shoulder of the road. Consider adding roadside flashers or a signal flare to your trunk.

Prep Your Tires – It’s always a good idea to keep your tires in good condition, but it’s especially important during the winter months. If your tires are getting low on tread, consider swapping them out for a new set, or make the switch to snow tires. These types of tires are specifically designed to grip the road during the winter, and they will hold their tire pressure better than all-season tires as the temperatures drop.

Check Your Fluids – Now is a good time to check the fluid levels on your car. Make sure you have enough Antifreeze in your vehicle so that your fluids don’t freeze, and take your car in for an oil change if you’re overdue. Also, don’t forget to top off your windshield wiper fluid in case someone sprays your car with wintery slush!

Battery Basics – As we’ve discussed before, your battery should be replaced every 3-5 years to ensure it won’t fail you during the cold seasons. If your battery fluid indicator is white, it means you should consider replacing your battery.

Also, although we didn’t mention it before, it’s a good idea to store jumper cables in your trunk during the winter. In the event that your engine won’t turn over on a cold day, you’ll be able to jump your car with the help of friendly passerby. If you already have jumper cables in your trunk, give them a quick look over to make sure they are still in good working condition.

Plan For The Worst – Make sure you keep a list of emergency phone numbers in your car in the event that you get in an accident. If you have AAA, it’s a smart idea to keep their number in the glove box in case you don’t have your card with you. If you don’t have AAA, write down the number of some local garages. It’s also a good idea to let friends and family members know the route you are taking when you are planning a visit. If you don’t show up, they’ll be able to point the authorities in the right direction.

Related source: HowStuffWorks.com