Winter driving can be daunting at the best of times, even more so if your car is not prepared for the challenges the season brings. Keeping up with routine service and maintenance is vital to the continued performance of your European import automobile, especially in winter. Staying on top of maintenance services is important for performance, as well as your overall safety, and the safety of those who share the road. Small problems that are put off when the weather is warmer have a way of becoming much larger when the temperature drops. Getting your car serviced by a professional before the start of the season is the best way to make sure your vehicle will keep performing no matter the season. Give Executive Automotive, Santa Fe’s choice for European import automotive maintenance and service, a call today to schedule your car’s winter service. Beyond making sure your vehicle is up to date with its service, there are simple things that you can do to keep safe before you hit the road this winter.
Windshield Wipers
The hot Santa Fe sun is notorious for turning even the most resilient of materials into a crumbling mess, especially windshield wipers. Old, worn-out wipers can’t keep up with falling snow and the slush kicked up from the road. This can seriously impact your ability to see while driving, having disastrous consequences. Replacing your windshield wipers every six months is a good rule of thumb. Before winter starts is the optimum time to change your wipers. There are even specially designed winter windshield wipers available for most makes and models. Additionally, it is crucial to keep your wiper fluid topped off with a winter de-icer fluid. With a combination of the right wipers and fluid, you can drive confidently knowing you will have visibility when you need it most.
Remove Snow and Ice
We have all been there before: it’s early in the morning, you need to be somewhere, and your car is covered in snow, ice, or both. You simply don’t feel you have the time to properly deal with it all, so you clear just enough to get by and get on the road. It may be tempting, but not taking the time to properly clear your vehicle of snow and ice could lead to an accident while driving. Snow on the roof can come loose during a stop or while you are driving and completely obscure your view. Ice on mirrors and windows can make all the difference when it comes to seeing another vehicle that is in your blind spot. Snow can also blow off your vehicle and impact other drivers’ ability to see the road. Even if you end up being late, it is always worth it to take the time to make sure your car is clear of any ice or snow.
Keep Gas in the Tank
Keeping your car’s gas tank above half a tank is a straightforward way to keep your car performing even on the coldest winter days. When your tank’s fuel level falls under half, condensation forms in the tank, causing a slew of problems that could leave you stranded at an inopportune time. Weather can be unpredictable and driving conditions can deteriorate fast. If the worst happens and you find yourself stranded, having gas in the tank will allow you to keep warm until help arrives or conditions change. So, remember to fill your tank at the first opportunity instead of waiting until the gauge approaches empty. .
Even trivial things can make all the difference when it comes to winter driving. For more information on winter driving, check out our Winter Driving Tips. For everything else, give Executive Automotive a call today to schedule your car’s winter service and maintenance!