The freezing days of winter have arrived! How do you know if your vehicle is up to the challenges of hazardous winter driving conditions? Automotive service is important any time of year, but even more so during winter. If you are wondering what kind of automotive service items should be done for your vehicle, read your owner’s manual and then discuss them with your mechanic. Don’t wait until you have an unexpected breakdown on the side of the road!
Take a look at this checklist of winter automotive service items:
- Use winter wipers – Winter wipers are made from a special rubber and designed so they don’t collect ice. Be sure to replace them in the spring so the wiper motor doesn’t burn out.
- Winter/snow tires – If possible, install winter tires as they provide better traction in snow. They are made from special rubber compounds engineered to resist hardening in cold temperatures. For extra snowy conditions, keep chains in the trunk and know how to install them.
- Keep antifreeze in the radiator – Make sure the antifreeze is at the correct ratio to prevent the radiator, engine, and hoses from freezing.
- Keep the washer fluid reservoir full – Choose windshield washer fluid that contains antifreeze so it won’t freeze in the reservoir.
- Emergency kit – In addition to your usual emergency kit, add an ice scraper, bag of sand and a shovel, extra antifreeze, blankets, extra warm clothing, and boots, plus snacks and water.
- Keep the gas tank full – A full fuel tank can help prevent the gas line from freezing up. And, you may need your engine to keep you warm waiting for help in the event you get stranded.
- Window defrosters (both front and rear windows) are working properly – Make sure you can see out of all your windows.
- Maintain automotive service – Most crucial for safe winter driving is keeping up with regular automotive service. Read your owner’s manual and ask your automotive repair technician to make sure everything on the maintenance schedule has been taken care of.
A safe driving tip: Stay home if road advisories are in effect because of bad roads! Don't risk an accident!
Looking for quality automotive repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Puleo’s Auto Clinic for more information about automotive service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Washington, NJ, and the surrounding areas.
The freezing days of winter have arrived! How do you know if your vehicle is up to the challenges of hazardous winter driving conditions? Automotive service is important any time of year, but even more so during winter. If you are wondering what kind of automotive service items should be done for your vehicle, read your owner’s manual and then discuss them with your mechanic. Don’t wait until you have an unexpected breakdown on the side of the road!
Take a look at this checklist of winter automotive service items:
- Use winter wipers – Winter wipers are made from a special rubber and designed so they don’t collect ice. Be sure to replace them in the spring so the wiper motor doesn’t burn out.
- Winter/snow tires – If possible, install winter tires as they provide better traction in snow. They are made from special rubber compounds engineered to resist hardening in cold temperatures. For extra snowy conditions, keep chains in the trunk and know how to install them.
- Keep antifreeze in the radiator – Make sure the antifreeze is at the correct ratio to prevent the radiator, engine, and hoses from freezing.
- Keep the washer fluid reservoir full – Choose windshield washer fluid that contains antifreeze so it won’t freeze in the reservoir.
- Emergency kit – In addition to your usual emergency kit, add an ice scraper, bag of sand and a shovel, extra antifreeze, blankets, extra warm clothing, and boots, plus snacks and water.
- Keep the gas tank full – A full fuel tank can help prevent the gas line from freezing up. And, you may need your engine to keep you warm waiting for help in the event you get stranded.
- Window defrosters (both front and rear windows) are working properly – Make sure you can see out of all your windows.
- Maintain automotive service – Most crucial for safe winter driving is keeping up with regular automotive service. Read your owner’s manual and ask your automotive repair technician to make sure everything on the maintenance schedule has been taken care of.
A safe driving tip: Stay home if road advisories are in effect because of bad roads! Don't risk an accident!
Looking for quality automotive repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Puleo’s Auto Clinic for more information about automotive service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Washington, NJ, and the surrounding areas.
John Puleo
John Puleo 
