Keep Your Car Going this Winter with Just a Few Maintenance Tips

Winter can be rough on cars, as well as dangerous. Between the salt, black ice, and just the plain bitter cold you could find yourself in an unexpected accident or stranded on the side of the road due to battery failure or bad tires. There are some precautions to think about, so you have a better chance of avoiding any of this. Take the time to prep your car for Winter. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Stay safe on the roads. Here are a few recommendations before those Winter storms settle in with below freezing temps.

Check the Blowers and Other Vital Operations

Test the HVAC control switches to see if the blower works in all positions and at all speeds make sure all head lights, tail lights, and brake lights are highly visible and working properly with no fogginess reflectors. If. If any of these lights need cleaned see your local auto body shop to see if they offer headlight cleaning.

Check the Coolant…It’s a Must

The level and concentration of your engine coolant should be checked. A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is normally recommended. This is vital to your car and you to be sure you don’t end up stranded.

Check the Air Conditioner…Yep that’s Right!

Check the air conditioning system and see if it is operating properly (yes, even during the winter). The AC compressor should engage during the defrost mode. This eliminates moisture build up on the inside of your front windshield.

Replace Filters…Keep Them Clean

Replace air, fuel and PCV filters that are dirty and have not been replaced in a while. This will ensure adequate air and fuel flow to vital parts of your engine.

Keep a Clear View with New Blades

Replace old windshield wiper blades and stock up on windshield wiper solvent. No one wants to look out a dirty, streaked windshield when it is snowing, sleeting, or a down pour with rain. It can lead to an accident no one wants to be in.

Check all the Hardware

Take the time to check belts, clamps and hoses for wear and tightness. Springing a coolant leak in the winter can leave you stranded in the cold on the side of the road. Be sure to have an emergency kit with things that include: gloves, boots, blankets, flares, ice scrapper, a small shovel, some sand (or kitty litter), a flashlight and a charged cell phone. Having these items available in your vehicle in case of an emergency will allow you to help yourself or get help if needed.

Nothing Works without Batteries

Cold weather can take its toll on older batteries. Unless you have the battery tested by a mechanic, there is no easy way to determine the condition of your battery or the state it is in. If your battery is over 3+ years old, you may want to have it checked by an auto technician. Scrape away corrosion from the posts and cables and make sure the connections are tight.

Check Your Tire’s Air and Tread

Worn tires are dangerous in winter weather. Examine your tires for adequate tread depth and uneven wear so you get better traction in fresh snow fall. You’re going to want to grip on the road. Rotate your tires as recommended and make sure your spare and jack are in good condition. Visit your local tire shop automotive shop.

Be safe on the roads this Winter. If you should find yourself in an unexpected auto accident with minor or major collision damage in the O’Fallon or St. Louis area Spirit West Motor Carriage is here in your time of need. We also offer towing assistance, as well as rental car assistance.

Spirit West Motor Carriage Auto Body Repair is a family-owned and operated company founded in April 1977. We take great pride in teamwork and our commitment to making sure our team receives training on the latest innovative state-of-the-art equipment and collision repair techniques.

We are proud to say our team is family and we treat our customers like family, too. Be assured that your car will receive this treatment, and upon completion of the repairs, you will drive away safe and satisfied!

Give us a call today or stop by the shop to see how we can get your car back into shape and back on the road. Spirit West Motor Carriage 610 Park Lane Manchester, MO 63021 Mon-Fri 7:30am – 5:30pm, (636) 394-1712