Gone are the predictable years of simple snow and cold. Each year in Marion, IL, seems to be a new adventure in winter weather. From crazy snow storms followed by immediate warm ups to sub-zero temperatures freezing pipes before you can think to drip the water, one thing is sure - there’s no predicting what winter will bring. However, you can be prepared (at least with your car) for the most part. Before your car faces whatever craziness this season will bring, we at PMR Automotive want to make sure you are ready for anything winter can throw your way.
Step 1: Check Windshield Wipers and Washer Fluid
Frosty mornings are only made worse by streaky wipers. And all that salt and grime kicked up at your windshield? You definitely want to be able to wash that away instead of hanging your head outside the window like your dog. Before the cold hits, make sure your washer fluid is topped off with a low temperature washer fluid. Be sure to test your washer fluid system by spraying the windshield. While you're checking everything windshield - go ahead an check for your ice scraper, too. You'll want that by your front door on extra icy mornings. When you bring your vehicle by PMR Automotive for service, we’ll make sure to check those wiper blades to ensure they are free of tears and debris which can cause streaking in your view.
Step 2 - Check Those Tires
You want to be sure you have the best grip possible on the road, which means you want good tread. While we make sure to check your tire tread depths at every visit, you can also do this at home with good ol’ Abe Lincoln. Take a penny and place it head-down in the tread of your tire. If all of Abe’s head is visible, it’s time to replace them. Make sure to regularly rotate your tires as well to extend the life of the tires and promote even tread wear.
Step 3 - Check Your Battery
Sure, your car has been starting great in the fair weather, but it only takes one cold snap to take your confidence away. Before you wake up to a frosty morning (and a jump start), have your battery life tested. Batteries testing less than 50% of their recommended amperage can put you at risk. Modern batteries tend to have a life of 3-5 years, so if it hasn’t been changed in a while, it may be due.
Step 4 - Check Your Cooling System
Sounds counter intuitive, right? To stay warm, you need coolant? Well, that is exactly how it works. Your vehicle cooling system sends coolant through your motor to cool it down. To be efficient, that excessively hot coolant is run through your dash, allowing you to have hot air when needed. Issues with cooling systems such as improper coolant type, blockages, leaks, and more can cause your heat to fail you when you need it most. If it hasn’t been done in a while, we at PMR Automotive would recommend a coolant flush or drain and fill to ensure you have the proper temperature level of coolant in your vehicle.
Step 5 - Prepare An Emergency Kit
For anyone local to Marion, IL, you likely remember the great snow storm a few years back that shut down I-57, leaving travelers stranded on the roads for hours. While you hope it never happens, shut downs, accidents, and more can find you in a hard spot. Making sure you have an emergency kit can help out immensely. We recommend your kit include essentials such as a warm blanket or two (depending on how many people are typically in the car), water, non-perishable snacks, a rechargeable flashlight, first aid items, and kitty litter. Now, for those not from the Midwest, kitty litter is a great tool to have in your kit to help you establish traction in situations where things get a bit slick.
As always, it’s a great idea to get your car fully checked over by a professional mechanic such as PMR Automotive. We can go through everything on your checklist and more, ensuring your car is a winter road worthy as possible. Just call 618-998-9010, schedule an appointment online, or visit us at 900 E Deyoung St, just one block east of Ray Fosse Park in Marion, IL. No matter what old man winter brings this year, when you trust your car to PMR, you can face winter with confidence.
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