Wedekind Motors knows that Schenectady- and Albany-area weather can tank the prospects of a road trip this time of year when it comes to unforeseen vehicle-mechanical circumstances. And you probably don't have a reliable service center on hand at home with the parts and labor required to make fixes happen. Luckily, in advance of the storm, you can help stave off some common problems with help from these handy tips.
- Maintain the performance shape of vehicle lights and bulbs. During colder months, the days are dimmer, and evening light can be worse. Take care of any issues like fogginess or yellowing beforehand, and remove any light impediments, whether within them or without.
- Test your battery voltage regularly. Battery operation diminishes by nature in cold weather, and a battery running weakly in the summer could easily be useless by or during the winter, so if you need a new one, it's better to get it sooner than later.
- Coolant low? Fill it post haste.This can make or break an engine. Check that there aren't any coolant-leaking breaks in your engine, too, because they can lead to loss and engine freezing.
- Top off gas and windshield washer fluid. A full tank of gas can help keep fuel pump water from icing up, and when you get stuck – as we all inevitably do, at some point -- it'll be a relief to keep your engine running for cabin warmth while you await any help. Keeping wiper fluid full helps make sure your wipers continue to provide you with a clear view of the path ahead.
- Invest in a reliable set of snow tires. Flexible at low temperatures to make the most of traction, these can make all the difference on bad roads. Keep tire pressure where it should be by filling them at a gas station air pump regularly, and maintain pressure levels to put the kibosh on wear and tear and tread separation.
- Do a dry run of your defroster and climate control system. Staying warm and keeping windows free of obstructive ice is paramount.
- Stow away a survival kit for emergencies. Stuck in No Man's Land? Waiting for a tow can be a bummer. Keep items like blankets, first-aid kits, utility knives, flashlights, jumper cables, mobile chargers, a shovel, de-icing spray and the like on hand for these kinds of circumstances.
We at Wedekind Motors wish you a happy and safe 2017. And if you're in the market for a winter workhorse with all the trappings of utility for spring, summer and fall, stop by our showroom, and we can set you up with a test drive today!