It seems as if the year has flown by and it’s time to prepare your vehicle for the frigid winter weather in West Springfield, MA. You don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road any time of the year, but you especially don’t want to be stranded when it’s in the 30s outside. Mike’s Auto Service & Repair recommends the following maintenance to keep your vehicle safe and get your car winter ready for even the coldest snowstorms, that is if the highway authorities say it’s okay to drive.
Tire and Undercarriage Inspection
Your tires cannot grip the road if the tread is worn or they are out of balance. Now is the time to have a tire inspection to ensure you have enough tread to be winter ready and to avoid hydroplaning or slips and slides. Low tread on wet or icy roads equals disaster so don’t take chances. Have whatever tire maintenance is due, including rotation and balancing, prior to inclement weather, and have your undercarriage inspected, too, to ensure it isn’t rusted from previous winter weather.
Suspension Inspection
You also stand a higher chance of losing control of your car, truck or SUV on wet or icy roads if your suspension is compromised in any way. Components that make up your vehicle’s suspension include the steering system, shocks, struts and the tires (as discussed above). If anything is worn, even the ball bearings, joints or links, you will find it harder to control your car. A solid suspension keeps your tires on the road evenly, which helps you maintain control of your automobile on all road conditions.
Antifreeze Flush
It might not be time for a radiator system flush but you should still have it checked out just in case. It used to be that you would use coolant in the summer and antifreeze in the winter, but radiator fluid these days is year-round. Still, dirty or low fluid can prevent the radiator from doing its job and the water in your engine will freeze when the mercury dips into the 30s. This prevents you from starting your automobile in the morning, which isn’t a good thing if you’re already running late for work.
Finally, Mike’s Auto Service & Repair in West Springfield, MA, recommends you take a good look at your windshield wiper blades. Do they look worn? Is the rubber splitting from the blade? Change them now if they need it so you can see well while driving in winter weather, and call us to schedule a fall maintenance service visit.
