The holidays are upon us and it’s time to make those last minute checks and adjustments. The last thing anyone wants is car trouble during the festive season! Here is our checklist to help get you safely through the holidays.
Tune up
Just as we can all benefit from regular general check-ups, so too can our vehicles. Cars and trucks consist of hundreds of working parts that should be inspected regularly in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises. This means that they should check everything from your oil and other fluids to the exhaust system, brakes, and battery. Remember, even if you don’t drive every day, your car needs to be started up and allowed to run for several minutes. The cold weather can drain the battery unless you run the motor regularly since this allows the alternator to recharge the battery. Ask a trained mechanic about winter weight oil for your vehicle if temperatures drop particularly low.
Windshield wipers
There are also some basic things that you can check yourself without the help of a mechanic. For example, you can check and replace your windshield wipers. Winter windshield wipers are specifically designed to handle the harsh, cold conditions and are recommended for maximum driving visibility and safety in winter. If you have winter wiper blades but they are no longer perform as well as they should, it might be time to have them replaced.
Tire inspection and change
If you don’t already have your winter tires fitted, now is definitely the time to take care of this. You should also inspect your tires regularly. This inspection should always include checking the tire pressure, tread, tire wall, and looking for any possible damage. If your tires are damaged or they have experienced substantial wear and tear, replacement tires are recommended. You should also make sure that they are balanced and that the technician takes care of the wheel alignment too. If you hit a bump in the road or simply notice that your vehicle is pulling to one side, you might need to have your wheel alignment checked again. Don’t forget to check your spare tire too!
Lights and visibility
As briefly mentioned above, you should make sure that your windshield wipers are in very good condition and that they can withstand the harsh conditions of winter. While you’re at it, check your wiper fluid too. Check all of your lights including your headlights, taillights, indicators, and reverse lights. You should also test your hazard lights since they are essential in the event of a roadside emergency or breakdown.
Emergency kit
We never like to think about getting stuck in bad weather but we should always be prepared. Some of the most important items to keep in your car during the winter months include a flashlight, medical supplies, blankets, food and water, a triangle and road flares as well as a shovel. It doesn’t hurt to keep a set of jumper cables on hand too. You never know when your battery, or that of a fellow road user, may require a little boost to get going.
For professional assistance with your next set of tires, call our team of trained professionals at (647) 745-0930. Your road safety is our priority!