Winter driving can be tumultuous given freezing temperatures and icing on the roadways. It’s important for motorists to ensure that their vehicles are in tip-top performance shape before venturing out for a winter drive—whether you need to commute to work on the highways, get to the ski slopes of Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire, or just buzz around town.
Here are Westboro Toyota's eight tips to keep your vehicle running smoothly through the winter:
Check that battery—as we mentioned last week, the battery’s energy can be sapped by about 50 percent in the cold weather.
Inspect those tires—Optimal tire pressure is crucial to your vehicle’s traction, which is so important when the roadways are slippery. If you find you’re in need of new tires, visit Westboro Toyota’s Tire Center where you’ll get details on a wide selection of tires that are right for your vehicle, including the size, type (e.g., all season), performance rating and the maximum speed for which the tires are rated. Also, we encourage you to read our recent blog post on how to properly check your tire pressure when cold weather strikes.
Replace wiper blades and top off that windshield washer fluid—Due to all of the sand, salt and slush on the roadways, your windshield may get extremely dirty in the winter months. It’s important to keep the windshield clear so you have the appropriate field of view when driving. Regularly check your vehicle’s windshield washer fluid levels to ensure that you have enough cleaning fluid to do the job. Westboro Toyota also recommends keeping a jug of windshield washer fluid in the trunk. Oh—and refrain from using water as your windshield washer fluid since it can freeze!
Use the appropriate oil for your vehicle—Winter driving can affect oil viscosity, i.e., the cold air can thicken the oil. This can become problematic because when the oil gets too think it may not properly lubricate the engine.
Inspect hoses and belts—The cold weather increases wear and tear on your vehicle’s belts and hoses, leaving them vulnerable to snapping.
Keep that gas tank filled at all times—Sure, gas prices are still high, but by filling your tank more regularly, the pain at the pump may seem less severe. Plus, keeping a full tank of gas helps guard against developing moisture in your gas tank, which can cause the engine to run rough or worse lead the vehicle not to start.
Store an emergency kit in your trunk—Some emergency staples every vehicle should have include a flashlight, jumper cables, and first-aid kit. It’s also a good idea to keep a blanket or two in the vehicle, as well as boots and gloves. These could be lifesavers in the event your vehicle becomes stranded in a blizzard or other extreme winter weather event, such as an ice storm.
Make your Express Maintenance appointment with Westboro Toyota today! Our Express Maintenance is designed to get your vehicle in for service and you out quick, with cost-effective service. Our experienced team of service technicians use a pit-crew approach to provide you with accurate, rapid and superior service that includes oil and filter change; brake inspection; tire rotation; fluids inspection and replenishment (such as antifreeze, which are crucial in the winter months); and a multipoint vehicle inspection. Download Westboro Toyota's Express Maintenance brochure for more information.
Call Westboro Toyota today at 888.336.4725 to schedule your Express Maintenance appointment or book service 24/7 online with our Service Scheduler.
Finally, Westboro Toyota wants everyone to travel safely on winter roadways—that means leaving enough time to get where you need to go, obeying speed-limit reductions due to conditions on the roads, always traveling a safe distance from the vehicles around you and of course, staying buckled up at all times!
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