Sallas Auto Repair’s Ten Tips for Winter Driving
How to take on the harsh winter weather while driving on the road.
Kansas City, MO, December 06, 2011 --(PR.com)-- When the jingle bells start jingling, so do the winter weather worries for many drivers. Potholes, rusted cars, frosted windshields and drained car batteries can all cause anxiety when driving in cold weather. Sallas Auto Repair in Kansas City employs several ASE Master Certified technicians, and has been in business for 30 years. Owner Nick Sallas offers ten simple tips to prepare a vehicle for winter weather.
“Over the years I’ve had many customers come in with problems that could have been easily avoided if they would have readied their vehicles for winter. Most of the steps to winterize a car are easy, and take very little time,” said Nick Sallas, owner of sallasauto.com
Ten Steps for Preparing a Vehicle for Winter
1. Evaluate the Car Tires.
Sallas explains that old tires (over seven years) run the risk of drying out and cracking in cold temperatures. Tires need ample tread to avoid hydro planning and sliding on ice and snow. Tire pressure must also be checked since cold weather can deflate tires.
2. Get the Antifreeze Mixture Right.
Vehicles need a mixture of 50-50 (antifreeze and water) in order to protect the motor from freezing and cracking. This needs to be 35 degrees below zero.
3. Clean the Car Battery.
Clean battery posts with baking soda, water and a small wire brush for proper maintenance and to extend battery life.
4. Replace Wipers & Wiper Fluid.
The life expectancy of wipers is only one year. Add wiper fluid in winter that contains a de-icer to prevent freezing on the windshield.
5. Check Belts & Hoses.
Cold weather can make a hose, or belt, fail. These parts need to be checked during vehicle servicing.
6. Test the Heater & Defrost.
These systems keep windshields clear when driving in precipitation. Check them for ample air pressure.
7. Keep your Gas Tank Full.
A full gas tank prevents gas lines from freezing when the temperature drops.
8. Carry an Emergency Kit for Winter.
Emergency kits for winter need to include: an ice scraper and brush; flashlight; flares; a first aid kit; blanket; gloves; boots; hats; warm clothes; snacks and water; jumper cables; paper towels and extra wiper fluid.
9. Know What to Do If Stranded.
A vehicle that is stranded, but still runs, can withstand the heater on for 10 minutes each hour. A stranded car needs a cracked window so that the car isn’t sealed shut.
10. Wax the Vehicle.
Waxing a vehicle twice per year will protect it from sun and salt. This can be done at home, or by an auto repair shop’s detail specialist. This prevents rust and paint chipping.
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Sallas Auto Repair is located in Kansas City, MO and specializes in 52-point vehicle inspections with every oil change. For more information on winter driving, or about auto repair in Kansas City, MO or Overland Park, KS visit sallasauto.com.
“Over the years I’ve had many customers come in with problems that could have been easily avoided if they would have readied their vehicles for winter. Most of the steps to winterize a car are easy, and take very little time,” said Nick Sallas, owner of sallasauto.com
Ten Steps for Preparing a Vehicle for Winter
1. Evaluate the Car Tires.
Sallas explains that old tires (over seven years) run the risk of drying out and cracking in cold temperatures. Tires need ample tread to avoid hydro planning and sliding on ice and snow. Tire pressure must also be checked since cold weather can deflate tires.
2. Get the Antifreeze Mixture Right.
Vehicles need a mixture of 50-50 (antifreeze and water) in order to protect the motor from freezing and cracking. This needs to be 35 degrees below zero.
3. Clean the Car Battery.
Clean battery posts with baking soda, water and a small wire brush for proper maintenance and to extend battery life.
4. Replace Wipers & Wiper Fluid.
The life expectancy of wipers is only one year. Add wiper fluid in winter that contains a de-icer to prevent freezing on the windshield.
5. Check Belts & Hoses.
Cold weather can make a hose, or belt, fail. These parts need to be checked during vehicle servicing.
6. Test the Heater & Defrost.
These systems keep windshields clear when driving in precipitation. Check them for ample air pressure.
7. Keep your Gas Tank Full.
A full gas tank prevents gas lines from freezing when the temperature drops.
8. Carry an Emergency Kit for Winter.
Emergency kits for winter need to include: an ice scraper and brush; flashlight; flares; a first aid kit; blanket; gloves; boots; hats; warm clothes; snacks and water; jumper cables; paper towels and extra wiper fluid.
9. Know What to Do If Stranded.
A vehicle that is stranded, but still runs, can withstand the heater on for 10 minutes each hour. A stranded car needs a cracked window so that the car isn’t sealed shut.
10. Wax the Vehicle.
Waxing a vehicle twice per year will protect it from sun and salt. This can be done at home, or by an auto repair shop’s detail specialist. This prevents rust and paint chipping.
###
Sallas Auto Repair is located in Kansas City, MO and specializes in 52-point vehicle inspections with every oil change. For more information on winter driving, or about auto repair in Kansas City, MO or Overland Park, KS visit sallasauto.com.
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Sallas Auto Repair
Nick Sallas
816.765.6060
sallasauto.com
Nick Sallas
816.765.6060
sallasauto.com
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