Winter Maintenance

Winter Maintenance at Stanley Ford McGregor

Winter conditions are harsh, so when you want to make sure that your model can handle them, you’re going to need to look at winterizing your vehicle. With the proper maintenance, you’ll be able to make sure that you don’t run into problems in the future. When you want to be confident in your vehicle’s ability to handle the cold near McGregor, Killeen, or Waco, you’re going to want to schedule a service with Stanley Ford McGregor.

Keeping Inventory

When you’re trying to prepare for winter, you’re going to want to check on your vehicle’s internals first. This includes everything from the spark plugs to the brakes. With a quick service, you’ll be able to make sure that they’re in working order before the temperatures begin to drop. You’ll also want to pay close attention to your battery, as when the temperatures begin to fall, it’s going to need a lot more power to start your vehicle. If you feel that you have a failing battery, it’s important to get it replaced before your car refuses to start in the winter cold. Finally, your coolant system is going to require a ratio of antifreeze to water that falls between 50/50 and 70/30. This is especially important to maintain, as your coolant system is responsible for keeping your engine at the appropriate temperature. 

The Right Gear

When it comes to winter, normal tires simply won’t do. This is because the cold directly affects the rubber that they’re made of, reducing their traction. When you want to be truly prepared for winter, you’ll need a set of winter tires. You’re also going to want to equip winter wipers, which are built to handle snow. With this duo, you’ll have all the traction you need along with the visibility you need for your trip. You’re also going to want to make sure that your rear-window defroster is working properly, so your rearview mirror isn’t blocked. Lastly, you’ll want to keep a close eye on your PSI as it can change during the cold, and you’re also going to want to keep both your wiper fluid and gasoline at least half full. 

Behind The Wheel

Part of staying safe in the winter is knowing what to do when you’re driving in bad road conditions. You’re going to want to familiarize yourself with how long it takes to stop, what speed you should be keeping, and what to do if your vehicle slides. You’re also going to want to make sure you’re prepared for emergency situations. This includes packing an emergency winter safety kit, which might have everything from hand warmers to flashlights inside. If you do end up in a winter storm, you’re going to want to make sure that you have your dome lights on. You’re also never going to want to leave your vehicle, as the extreme cold could be dangerous. Finally, if you are in your vehicle, you’re going to want to make sure that you run in intervals so that you can conserve gasoline and avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Knowing what to do in a tense situation can help you avoid danger both when you’re on the road, and if your vehicle has broken down.