Yes, it’s here again—another infamous Nebraska winter. Winter driving can often be hazardous, and for most, it’s just plain scary at times. As it’s nearly impossible for most of us to avoid the nasty weather altogether, it is incredibly important to make sure that your vehicle is prepared accordingly each year.
“When preparing for winter driving, one of the first things to be considered should be your tires,” emphasizes Tony Caputo of Markel Automotive Group. “If you have performance tires on your car, you won’t get very far when the snow starts flying–these tires provide excellent performance and a great look during typical driving conditions but snowy roads are hardly that. If you have performance tires on your car, don’t worry, there are many outlets (including our store) that will allow you to find a great set of snow tires or all-season tires at a great price. Going right along with that, you should confirm that your tires are in the proper condition for winter driving. This includes everything from tread depth to tire pressure, all of which can affect your winter driving. You should also ensure that you are prepared just in case the snow gets too heavy or you parked on a piece of pavement that has turned to ice while you were away. Simple things like having a blanket in your car or using cat litter to create some traction on ice can help you get out of some potentially serious situations. Should you need a set of snow tires or all-season tires to help you get through this winter driving season, or if you want to get your vehicle checked to ensure that it is in proper working condition as we head into the winter driving season, our service and parts departments are always available and can service any make or model of vehicle.”
He adds, “All-wheel drive platforms have really come a long way in recent years, BMW’s xDrive is one of the best on the market and is one of a few that allows 50% of the vehicles power to be sent to one wheel. Combine that with the Dynamic Stability Control and cars today are really helping drivers get through the winter safely. It is important to understand what an AWD or even a four-wheel-drive system does for you, they are intended to help you get going when the conditions are not favorable, however, they can’t help you stop, so proper speed and safety is always going to be your best bet.”
It’s always a good idea to get a fresh oil change, the battery serviced, and a good inspection of your vehicle’s major components before winter weather is here for good. Check points include: *Fluid levels and condition *Tire pressures, tread depth and condition *All exterior lighting *Fluid leaks, engine, transmission and differentials *Battery *Belts and Hoses *Air Filter *Wiper Blades *Horn *Exhaust system *Suspension components.
“It’s especially important to have the coolant checked to make sure it tests at -32 degrees and that the color and consistency appears normal and that there is nothing floating around in it,” advises Mike Burley, General Manager of Meineke Car Care Center. “Going into winter with a clean filter and fresh oil will help your engine start better and will help reduce component wear inside the engine during longer warm up periods. A fuel induction service that cleans the throttle body and injectors will also allow for the best ignition possible. To reduce the load on the engine, especially when accelerating after idling, we offer a concentrate to put in the gas tank too. The battery is another crucial checkpoint. A weak battery may get you through the summer, but once the temperature starts to dip, it may leave you stranded. This is because extra amps are needed to start a cold engine in cold weather. We are currently offering a Winterization special, which includes our coolant flush service, new wipers, and a complete winter inspection for just $139.”
As you can see, there are plenty of ways that you can prepare your vehicle for winter conditions. While it’s important not to drive if you don’t have to when inclement weather strikes, there’s also a number of ways you can ensure that your vehicle is as safe and comfortable as possible during the winter months. It is also important to be prepared with a plan in place in case of emergency, and to stay informed about the expected weather conditions at all times. Always remember, better safe than sorry!