Winter Maintenance

Winter Maintenance at Stanley Ford Sweetwater

Preparing for winter can be difficult, as there are a lot of factors to consider. Freezing temperatures can bring about some unique problems with your model, and you’re going to want to make sure that you’re properly prepared. When you’re near Abilene, Sweetwater, or Roscoe, you’re going to want to schedule a service with Stanley Ford Sweetwater, as our talented mechanics will be able to make sure that your vehicle has everything it needs. 

The First Step

Before you start looking at the smaller details of your vehicle, you’re going to want to make sure that the main parts are in working order. By scheduling an inspection at Stanley Ford Sweetwater, you’ll be able to make sure that your spark plugs, brakes, and other important parts are all doing their jobs without issue. You’ll also receive a professional opinion about what type of antifreeze to use, as when winter comes, you’ll want to keep a ratio of antifreeze to water that falls between 50/50 and 70/30. Finally, you’ll want to pay close attention to your battery. Even if it works fine now, you’ll need more power to actually start your vehicle when things begin to get colder. If it’s giving you any type of trouble currently, you’re going to want to make sure that it’s properly serviced or replaced before winter temperatures arrive.

Winter Upgrades

New weather conditions mean that your vehicle will likely require a few changes. This includes everything from winter tires to winter wipers. Normal tires simply won’t do in the cold, as you’ll run into complications with the rubber. This setup ensures that you have the maximum amount of grip on the road and that your vision is never obscured. You may also want to check on how your rear-window defroster before you hit the road. Now that your vehicle is ready, you’re going to have to keep a close eye on your tire pressure. The pressure inside your tires is directly affected by the cold, so you may notice that it fluctuates drastically. For safety reasons, you’re also going to want to keep your gas and windshield wiper fluid at least half full at all times, and you may want to consider packing a winter safety kit.

Preparing For Driving

When you’re behind the wheel, you’re going to need to ensure that you’re ready for winter roads. You may want to familiarize yourself with what to do if your vehicle begins to slip, or what speed you should be keeping if there’s less traction on the road. To be truly prepared though, you have to make sure that you’re ready for the worst. You’ll want to know what to do if a winter storm leaves you stranded. You’re certainly not going to want to leave your vehicle, as you’ll be exposed to the elements. You’re also only going to want to run it in intervals so that you can stay warm for longer, without risking a build-up of carbon monoxide gas. Finally, you’ll want to keep your dome lights on so that you can easily be found. When it comes to staying safe on the road, a little knowledge can go a long way.