Are you overdue for an oil change? This should be one basic maintenance item on your checklist to get done before the first winter storm arrives. Be prepared. You want your car to be in it’s best working order to help ensure your safety through the upcoming bad weather season.
Basic maintenance items to get done now, that can help avoid costly problems later:
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Checking, topping off and changing all necessary fluids as needed. These fluids include: oil, coolant, brake, freeze resistant windshield wiper fluid and transmission fluid.
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Replace filters as needed- these include oil, air and transmission filters.
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Have your brakes inspected. Are they functioning as they should be? Quality brakes can make a significant difference when driving in icy conditions.
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An inexpensive, easy to replace and important item to get done is having the essential lights in your vehicle replaced that have burnt out. Headlights, brake lights and other lights on your vehicle are safety features you cannot do without.
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Are your windshield wipers compromising your visibility in precipitation? Their condition will only deteriorate even more in cold weather. New windshield wipers can make all the difference when driving through a storm.
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You spend a lot of time inside your vehicle. Take care of the interior’s maintenance too. Slip resistant, rubberized floor mats are a great idea to keep your interior better protected from the elements, especially on the driver’s side.
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Have your tires inspected before the bad weather begins. Make sure your tire’s tread is still good and the tire pressure is at the recommended level for your vehicle, as stated in your owner’s manual. Vehicles often get better gas mileage and exhibit better handling when tires are properly pressurized. Winter tires are also a good option to consider if you typically drive in severe winter weather. It’s important to note that sometimes winter weather systems and changes in pressure can cause a flat tire, regardless of their being anything physically wrong with it.
Prepare an emergency kit:
Having an emergency kit in your vehicle all year round is extremely important.
Basic winter emergency items to include in your kit:
- Blankets or an extra jacket
- Set of jumper cables
- A working flashlight with good batteries
- Chains
- Essential first-aid items
- A knife
- Flares
- Some energy bars or similar snack
- Waterproof gloves ( wool or cotton gloves will get very wet)
- A small snow trowel or shovel
- Waterproof matches
- An ice scraper
- A bag of cat litter or sand
Contact us today at AAMCO Lee's Summit, MO for your winter vehicle maintenance. Call now to schedule an easy appointment and you’ll leave feeling confident that your car, truck or SUV will be well prepared for the upcoming cold weather season
