Winter is fast upon us, and many of you are left asking, "is there anything I should be doing to protect my car this winter?"
Eric the Car Guy has several tips and tricks to see you through to spring without a breakdown.
- Inspect for any mechanical problems and make repairs before the snow starts falling. Once temperatures plummet and your vehicle is working hard to fight through snow, that's when an untreated problem is going to rear its ugly head. Nip it in the bud, and avoid getting stuck in a blizzard.
- Check your tread depth. We strongly recommend using winter snow tires, or studded snow tires. Studded tires will give superior traction on frozen surfaces, but can only be used between October 16 and April 30, according to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Replace your wiper blades. Chances are, it's been over a year since you've replaced the blades, which means they are not as effective as they once were. Poor visibility causes accidents, so put on fresh blades, and make sure your wiper fluid has de-icing properties.
- Pack for the worst-case-scenario. Don't cross your fingers and hope you don't get stuck in the snow. Pack a bag of kitty litter, or sand to throw under your tires for traction if you get stuck. Leave an emergency blanket in the car. A first aid kit may also prove valuable in an emergency. The most common reason for a car not starting in winter is a depleted battery, so keep jumper cables in the trunk.
At Wedekind Motors, we urge you to drive safely this winter. We can help you prepare. Bring your vehicle in to our Schenectady, NY location for maintenance and repair before the first big storm of the season hits.