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Winterizing Your Vehicle in MidMo!
Jefferson City winters can be unpredictable. One minute, you’re sipping your pumpkin spice latte, and the next, you're scraping frost off your windshield. As the season descends upon us in MidMo, ensuring your vehicle is winter-ready is not just a precaution but a necessity. From the icy roads to the freezing temperatures, winter can be hard on cars and, most importantly, tires.
At The Auto Shop in Jefferson City, MO, we believe in educating our car owners about the importance of preparing their vehicles for the chilly months ahead. So, let's dive into some critical tips and insights on winterizing your vehicle, with a special focus on those rubbery circles that keep you grounded.
Winter Specials At The Auto Shop
Before we get into it, we wanted to be sure to mention that we’ve got some great things going on this Winter. For one, we brought back the buy 4 tires get $100 HyVee Gas gift card or $100 off your tire service deal! If you need new tires, now is the perfect time! Make an appointment and you can get either a $100 discount on your service or $100 Hy-Vee Gas gift card to help defray the costs of your Thanksgiving celebration.
Additionally, we’ll be a Toys-For-Tots drop-off spot this year. Please feel free to drop off your toys to us so we can get this to Mid-Missouri families in need!
1. Tire Inspection
Your vehicle's tires are the first point of contact with the road. Thus, ensuring they are in top shape is vital for safety. Begin by checking the tread depth. If the tread is worn down, the tire won't grip icy or wet roads efficiently. A simple penny test can help you discover this. Place a penny with Lincoln's head facing downwards in the tire tread. If you see the top of his head, it’s time for a change.
2. Tire Pressure Check
Cold air contracts, which can reduce tire pressure. Under-inflated tires might not provide the traction you need, especially on slippery surfaces. Regularly check your tire pressure and make sure to keep them inflated as per the manufacturer's recommendations. You can find the optimal pressure in the vehicle's manual or on a sticker located inside the driver's side door.
3. Switching to Winter Tires
All-season tires can manage various conditions, but they aren't specialized for extreme cold and snow. With their unique tread patterns and rubber compounds, winter tires are designed explicitly for cold temperatures and icy roads. If you reside in an area in MidMo with heavy snowfall or frequent freezing temperatures, consider switching.
4. Battery Assessment
Cold weather is notorious for diminishing battery power. Before winter hits, get your battery tested. If it's near the end of its life cycle, it's wise to replace it. No one wants to be stranded in the cold due to a dead battery.
5. Check Antifreeze Levels
Antifreeze, as the name suggests, prevents your engine from freezing in cold temperatures. Ensure the coolant level is sufficient and that there aren’t any leaks in the system that could let the coolant out or air in.
6. Wiper Blades and Fluids
Visibility during winter storms is crucial. If your wiper blades are leaving streaks or aren't clearing the windshield effectively, it's time for a replacement. Also, ensure you have plenty of winter-grade windshield washer fluid, as the summer-grade can freeze.
7. Emergency Kit
Lastly, always be prepared. Equip your car with an emergency kit containing items like blankets, flashlights, non-perishable food, water, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit. In the unfortunate event of getting stranded, you'll be thankful for these supplies.
Conclusion
Winterizing your vehicle isn’t just about comfort or ensuring a smooth ride; it’s about safety. At The Auto Shop in Jefferson City, MO, we emphasize the importance of proactive measures rather than reactive ones. Don't wait for the first snowflake to settle on the ground before considering the winter readiness of your vehicle.
Our trained auto technicians are here to inspect, advise, and assist you in every step of preparing your vehicle for the winter. The Auto Shop is at 612 Missouri Boulevard Court, Jefferson City, MO, 65109. Our shop is the only ASE blue-ribbon-certified shop within 100 miles! We have diagnostic equipment in each tech bay, so you don’t have to wait around to finish work. Our business hours are Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM. We accept cash, personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover for payments.