With the onset of colder weather and hazardous driving conditions, now is a good time to re-evaluate what you carry in your vehicle. It’s difficult to plan for every possible circumstance, but being prepared could someday pay off.
Short list of suggested items to carry in your vehicle during the winter months…
- Mobile Phone Charger
- Flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Kitty Litter (for traction in slippery conditions)
- Mini-Shovel
- Windshield Ice Scraper (with a brush)
- Aerosol Can Lock De-Icer
- Flares
- Multitool or Screwdriver (with multiple attachments)
- Hazard Triangle and/or Flares
- Jumper Cables
- Umbrella
- Rain Poncho
- First Aid Kit
- Facial Tissues
- Blanket
- Old Towels/Rags
- Gloves
- Boots
- Warm Hat
Knowing you have Jumper Cables in the trunk can be a huge relief, especially if your car won’t start; or better yet, help out someone else in need. If you are finding it difficult to stow your emergency supplies, I suggest purchasing a trunk organizer or plastic tub to keep everything from tossing about.
With the seasonal change, it’s a great time to give your vehicle some temperature preparation maintenance…
ANTIFREEZE is a critical element to the longevity of an engine. Not only does it protect it from external freezing temperatures, but it helps to maintain a properly running engine temperature as well. Old or weak antifreeze begins to break down, reducing efficiency and could cause engine damage. It’s a good idea to have a complete radiator system flush at least every 5 years. If your vehicle coolant is less than 5 years old, then keep the fluid level topped off and use a hydrometer to indicate the freezing point; then adjust the antifreeze ratio as necessary.
ENGINE OIL can also be changed this time of year. Cold weather starts can be hard on an engine, even more so with dirty oil impacting flow. Review your owners’ manual and follow the recommendations for the proper oil type, weight, and viscosity. For a more in-depth discussion on this topic, read our “Oil Changes Demystified” blog article. To learn more about the oil change services at Tubbs Brothers, visit our Quick Lube page.
The BATTERY in your vehicle is another crucial item to check and maintain. The chemical reactions necessary to generate power within your battery are more difficult in cold weather. To make matters worse, your vehicle’s engine requires more current to turn it over during lower temperatures. Have your battery stressed-checked to be sure it’s up to the task, and be sure the connections are clean and corrosion-free.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID is a top priority for visibility during the winter, especially while traveling on salted roads. Make sure your windshield fluid reservoir is full and with the proper low-temperature fluid. Just because it’s blue in color does not mean it has the sufficient anti-freeze properties you need for colder temperatures.
WIPER BLADES work in tandem with the washer fluid, streaks and voids can impede visibility. The rubber compounds in wiper blades are less flexible in colder weather, decreasing their effectiveness. Special “winter” wiper blades have a thicker design and are specially conditioned to remain flexible. I highly suggest replacing your wiper blades before the cold weather settles in.
TIRES are what is in-between you and a slippery road; they can have a huge impact on safety! Inspect each of your tires carefully; look at the tread depth, signs of uneven wear, abnormal sidewall bulges, or surface cracking. If any one of these items is deficient, it’s time for replacements. If you find your tires to be in good condition, double-check for proper inflation. To learn more about tire replacement and the Tubbs Brothers “Tire Price Guarantee“, read the linked blog article.
So this year (before the first snowflake hits the ground) be prepared! Don’t fall victim to the upcoming adverse weather; take charge and have your vehicle serviced and stocked with supplies. If there is no time in your busy schedule, put your mind to rest and have the experienced team at Tubbs Brothers handle the task.
Tubbs Brothers is a one-stop car care center providing high quality, convenience, honesty, and integrity with all services. Easily schedule an appointment online to have your vehicle serviced before the weather changes, or visit our Quick Lube center for an oil change. You can also have the Appearance Center clean & wax your vehicle to protect it from the elements. If worry-free, regular maintenance throughout the year is more to your liking, we also offer a great value service called the “Pit Pass”.
At Tubbs Brothers, we are committed to continuous improvement. Our modern equipment and facilities, highly trained personnel, environmentally friendly practices and great deals on cars and trucks all contribute to our motto…
“At Tubbs Brothers, we’re proud of the cars we sell, and even prouder of the way we sell them”
Phone: 810.648.0000
Website: www.TubbsBrothers.com
- To view the New Car inventory at Tubbs Brothers, click HERE
- To view the Used Car inventory at Tubbs Brothers, click HERE
- To learn more about Commercial vehicles at Tubbs Brothers, click HERE
- To request a competitive Tire Quote, click HERE
- To request a Service Appointment, click HERE
- To learn more about our Quick Lube center, click HERE
- To learn more about vehicle Cleaning/Detailing services, click HERE
- To learn more about RhinoPro protective linings, click HERE
- For Tubbs Brothers Hours and Location, click HERE
- To learn more about the History of Tubbs Brothers, click HERE
“We’re proud of the cars we sell, and even prouder of the way we sell them”
Tubbs Brothers, Inc. | 959 West Sanilac | Sandusky, MI 48471
www.tubbsbrothers.com | sales@tubbsbrothers.com
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Tags: Hazardous Driving Conditions, Snow Tires, Tubbs, Tubbs Brothers, Winter Driving, Winter Tires
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