Photo by Danny Sleeuwenhoek on Unsplash
Time To Winterize!
Winterization doesn’t have to be a hassle–but it does have to be done! New York winters can be unpredictable, and in Calcium, winter can start pretty early. We’d highly suggest visiting us at Service Plus Automotive, so we can take a look at your vehicle. We’ll review a few of the most important things your car needs during its winterization session to be on the lookout as you await your appointment! This way, you can travel during the holiday season with ease of mind.
Air Filter was Checked and Replaced
Next, cleaning your air filter is essential because dirt buildup will reduce airflow and make driving less efficient. If you have a manual transmission, change your oil before storing the car for winter—this will help prevent corrosion in certain parts of the engine that may not get lubricated during everyday use.
A Tire Rotation, New Tires, or Snow Tires
Having the right tires is essential to keeping your car winter-ready, which can mean the difference between getting stuck in the snow and navigating through it quickly. A tire rotation may be all you need, but if the tread is looking low, you’re due for a whole new set. Snow tires are designed for cold weather and snow conditions. If you do a lot of driving, getting a particular pair on for the winter may be worth it.
Checking The Battery For Erosion and Rust
Rust and erosion can mean it’s time for a new battery, and this assessment is as simple as taking a look! The battery is one of the most essential pieces of equipment in your car. It's responsible for starting the engine and providing power to other systems.
A Fluid Check
Fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle, and it’s essential to have them checked frequently! Otherwise, the parts of your vehicle that require them can become damaged. This means a costly repair, and who wants that during the holiday season?
We’ll typically check all your fluids during a check-up, including:
- Oil
- Transmission Fluid
- Power Steering Fluid
- Windshield Wiper Fluid
We can do top-offs and check for leaks, too!
Windshield Wiper Replacement
The condition of your windshield wipers is vital. Having wipers isn’t good enough in the Winter–in fact, you may find that a lousy set of wipers can make things worse during bad storms.
Emergency Items and Emergency Kit
If you’re stranded in your car waiting for emergency services, you should have some things on hand. Your emergency kit should include the following:
- A first-aid kit
- Flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Phone charger
You can also add an emergency blanket, snack bars (high in calories), bottled water, a shovel, and cat litter (this can help if you get stuck in the snow!).
We’ll Get You Set at Service Plus Automotive!
We hope this has been a helpful guide to winterizing your car! We know it can be overwhelming, but that's what we are here for! Schedule an online appointment today with Service Plus Automotive. You can find us at 27721 State Route 283, Calcium, NY 13616 (just across from Fort Drum), and we are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We look forward to hearing from you soon!