Is Your Car Ready For Winter? It Better Be!

November 11, 2009 in Winston Salem, NC by Uncle Frank -

It's getting colder and the sudden chill in the air is an obvious reminder that winter will be here all too soon. Now is the best time to prepare your car for those cold, snowy months ahead. The auto experts at Frank Myers Auto Maxx in Winston-Salem agree that the right preparation can keep your car running smoothly and safely this winter.

According to Robert Thomas, Service Director at Frank Myers Auto, the first place to start is your tires. Make sure you have a good amount of tread on your tires, so they have a firm grip on snowy, icy roads. Snow tires can make winter driving much easier, so if you have a rear-wheel drive car, a car with high performance tires, or a lightweight vehicle, you might want to consider snow tires.

"To see if your tires need replacing, look at the grooves and make sure that the tires have not worn down to the tire wear bars," Thomas said. "These are ridges of rubber that run perpendicular to the grooves in your tires. If your tires are past this point, you should replace them."

He also emphasizes that you should always start the winter with new windshield wiper blades, and replace them again come spring, after they have endured rough weather conditions.

"When replacing your blades, be sure to ask for winter-style ones which can prevent ice buildup," says Tracy Myers, owner of Frank Myers Auto. "Since visibility is key when driving in stormy conditions, make sure your window washer fluid is full at all times."

Both Thomas and Myers agree that all car owners to schedule a complete vehicle checkup before winter hits.

"We recommend having your belts, hoses, battery and coolant checked before temperatures really drop. Making sure everything is working as it should helps minimize wear and tear. You may also need to switch to a lower weight of oil in the winter month," Thomas says. "Your heater and defrosters, as well as your battery and anti-freeze are also all critical components for winter driving. You don't want to be cold, you need your windshield clear, and both your anti-freeze and battery are crucial for the starting and operating of your car."

To schedule a 100% free winterization check on your vehicle, call the service center at Frank Myers Auto Maxx. (336) 831-0656 is the direct number and the address is 4200 North Patterson Avenue in Winston-Salem, NC.