Kelly Automotive Group

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No matter how long we will try to deny it, winter is upon is and Massachusetts winters are no joke. Walking in a winter wonderland sounds fun, but driving in it can be stressful. As soon as the temperature drops below 45 degrees your car is at war with the elements.  Cold, snow, ice, slush, salt, potholes, and gravel all take shots at your vehicle-FIGHT BACK! Don't compromise your safety or the safety of your family and WINTERIZE YOUR VEHICLE.

Here are some easy steps to prepare you and your vehicle for the season ahead so that you won't be slip sliding away from any of your winter destinations.

Switch to Snow Tires

Many people think that all-season tires will provide the traction necessary to prevent their car from sliding all over the road-this is a very dangerous misconception.  Experts advise putting snow tires on your vehicle(s) because of their ability to dig and bite into snow and ice.  Snow tires are made from a softer rubber compound in order to retain their flexibility in the cold weather. Your tires do not just affect the grip on the road, nor how your vehicle can stop and steer. And don't forget to always install snow tires as a full set of four. Only installing two snow tires will actually increase the chance of your vehicle spinning out when braking or taking a corner.

Change Your Oil

Oil thickens in the cold weather making it harder for the oil to lubricate critical engine parts on those glacial mornings, afternoons, and nights. So, even though you should be changing your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, it is a good idea to begin the winter season with fresh motor oil.

Check Battery

Really low temperatures can reduce your battery power as much as 50 percent. If your battery is more than 3 years old, let us check it for you. A battery will not warn you before it dies, so before you are left stranded in the cold, have it checked for power and corrosion.

Replace Wipers and Washer Fluid

Wipers can become brittle and inflexible as they age, and the cold winter conditions only expedite this process. Consider replacing your wiper blades, and even ask your technician about winter wiper blades that are specifically designed to fight snow and ice.  To assist your blades in keeping your windshield clear and streak free, refill your washer fluid tank with a mixture including a de-icer; it will help melt the snow and ice right off your windshield.

Try Fuel De-Icer

Speaking of de-icing, many people don't know that fuel de-icers even exist. Many experts recommend pouring fuel de-icer into your gas tank to absorb any left over moisture in your fuel lines, preventing them from freezing. Also, it's very important to always have at least a quarter of a tank of gas in your vehicle during the winter months-this will also help prevent your fuel lines from freezing.

Check the Antifreeze

Antifreeze can dilute over time, and if the antifreeze in your car becomes too diluted it can freeze, expand, and ruin expensive engine parts like your radiator.  Have the antifreeze's freeze point tested to make sure it is low enough to protect your car.

Wash Your Car

No, we are not kidding; wash your car. I know this sounds so incredibly simple, but it will go a long way.  Many states use highly corrosive salt compounds to melt snow and ice on roads and highways.  If you don't remove this salt from your vehicle it can cause serious corrosion damage that will cost you much more to fix than it would have cost you to wash your car all winter long.

Check Your Lights

At every oil change, have your lights checked, as well, for dimming, rapidly blinking, and non-functioning lights.  Believe it or not, it is very difficult to notice from the driver's seat a light that isn't working.  In addition to having the function of your lights checked, keep your lights clean to insure that they are properly lighting the road in front of you, and so that you are visible to other drivers on the road.

Store a Winter Emergency Kit

Store an "emergency" kit in your trunk just in case!!  I recommend having the following in your emergency kit:

• First Aid Kit, tool kit
• Jumper cables
• Blanket
• Boots, warm clothes, and gloves
• Extra water and food
• Ice scraper, snow brush, small shovel
• Flashlight
• Windshield washer fluid
• Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, non-clump kitty litter) for traction support

You can never be too prepared. Maintain your vehicles regularly to insure that they provide you with years of quality safety and performance.  All of the services mentioned in this article can be done at any one of our Kelly dealerships, of course.   Drive safely...

 And until next time, see you in the showroom! Happy Thanksgiving! Be safe.