As the temperatures continue to drop in North Texas, your vehicle needs a little extra preparation to ensure it is ready to help you tackle those short and long trips during the winter season. Having the following items checked at the start of the winter season will make sure your vehicle is prepared for the cold temperatures!

1. Battery

To power on all of the electronic components of your car or truck, your vehicle’s battery needs cold cranking ability. Colder weather can significantly diminish the cranking power of batteries, so it is important to make sure your battery has enough cold cranking ability to last you all winter long.

2. Tires

While we don’t see as much frigid weather and snow on the roads in this part of Texas, it is critical to ensure your tire tread is deep enough to get you through the winter weather. More tread provides better grip on all roads, but especially in wet, icy, or snowy conditions.

3. Coolant

It is recommended to test your vehicle’s coolant every year and replace it after 30,000 miles (about every three years for the average driver). Coolant keeps the engine cool while it is running, but coolant needs to be checked to make sure it won’t freeze as well. Overtime, coolant will lose its antifreeze properties, which can cause it to freeze in cold temperatures and then can potentially damage other cooling system components in your vehicle.

4. Wiper Blades and Windshield Washer Fluid

Driving with worn wipers can be very dangerous. If wipers are streaking, chattering, or are torn, the visibility out of your windshield will be poor, especially when driving conditions worsen during rain, snow, and ice storms. Windshield washer fluid can also help clean your windshield, but only if you have enough fluid in the reservoir and if it is not frozen! Windshield washer fluid mixture has enough concentrate with anti-freeze properties to keep it from freezing during any cold spells.

Schedule an appointment with us to make sure your vehicle is Winter Ready and take advantage of our special Winter Readiness Offer. We will test the battery and coolant, inspect your wiper blades and washer fluid, and inspect your tires and provide a tire rotation if necessary for $19.95. Make sure your vehicle is prepared to take you where you need to go this winter!