Getting Your Car Winter Ready in Cochrane, Alberta
Are You Winter Car Ready?
Cochrane Dodge is the preferred Dodge Chrysler Jeep dealership in Cochrane, Alberta, and serves Calgary, Airdrie, Crossfield, Canmore, and the surrounding areas. Cochrane Dodge sells the newest Dodge Chrysler Jeep vehicles and invites customers to complete the online finance application when shopping for a new car.
Changing the Tires
Changing your tires is one of the most critical steps to take to increase your traction on the road and avoid hydroplaning. You'll need to swap out your current tires for winter tires, which have more grip and can keep your vehicle planted on the road in all types of weather conditions. They can reduce your stopping distance by 30 feet and can get you started 33 percent faster at a stop sign for better performance. They also perform better as you drive on ice and allow you to remain in control of the vehicle. You'll need to visit a shop to have a mechanic swap out your current tires several weeks before the winter season arrives. Although the tires may be a minor investment for the season, they can save you money by helping you to avoid a costly accident. You can swap back to your original tires once the spring season arrives.
Be sure to check the traction on your winter tires if you plan to reuse them for a second winter season to ensure they're still in good condition. Balding tires can put you at risk of an accident, and sign it's time to replace the tires.
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Top Off the Fluids
Start by getting an oil change to ensure the parts in your engine are properly lubricated and continue to operate well once the temperatures drop. There are a few fluids also to top off before you start driving in the winter season. You'll need to add more wiper fluid to increase your visibility. Buy an adequate washer fluid with anti-freeze. Your windshield wipers should also be replaced if they're older than six to 12 months to ensure they can cleanly wipe off the glass and offer a clear view of the road ahead. It's also necessary to hire a professional to check your coolant, responsible for protecting your engine from cracking and freezing. The anti-corrosive additives in the solution and water-pump lubricants can improve your engine's operation and reduce the risk of excess wear and tear. If you plan to check the coolant yourself, you can use a testing device when the engine is cold. Start revving the engine to 2,000 rpm while pressing the negative probe on the negative battery terminal. The coolant is still in good condition if it's at least .4 volts. Anything less than .4 can indicate it's also time for a new radiator, a heater core, or a water pump. Aside from topping off your fluids, it's also necessary to lubricate your window tracks to prevent freezing water from creating drag each time you attempt to open the window. The window rubber can eventually lead to damaging the window regulator cables. Both spray silicone and dry Teflon spray lubricant can work well for sufficient lubrication. Adding additional lubrication to your door locks is essential to prevent corrosion from developing on the metal parts as they can become exposed to moisture throughout the season. Add a small amount of granite lock lubricant into the keyway.
Create a First Aid and Roadside Emergency
It's essential to have an emergency first aid kit in your trunk to have what you need if you're involved in a collision or are ever stranded in the snow. Although you may already have a kit packed in your vehicle, it may not have certain necessary items for the winter months ahead when the weather changes.
Consider adding a soft-bristled snow brush, kitty litter or salt, a flashlight with extra batteries, a plastic scraper, a few blankets, snow boots, and chains for your tires if you plan to drive in the mountains. You can even pack a few flares to ensure you can alert people of your whereabouts if you become stranded. A DIY first aid kit is also essential. It should include antiseptic wipe packets, compress dressings, bandages, cloth tape, ointment packets, scissors, bandages, a breathing barrier with a one-way valve, scissors, tweezers, and even a first-aid instruction booklet.
Feel free to read more about Getting Winter ready reviews to ensure you can obtain the right information about getting your car ready for Winter to stay safe on the road.
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