The ABC's of Winter Driving

1/9/2017

Antifreeze - Batteries - Control

The winter driving season is here. Freezing temperatures, wet sloppy roads and long slow rides to and from work are almost certain to be in the near future. Winter can be demanding especially on your car. Here are three tips that will help protect you and your car.

Antifreeze - Keeps the Engine Cool and You Warm

Antifreeze or engine coolant is the life blood of the engine cooling system. It is mixed with water and stored in the radiator, it's primary purpose is to prevent freezing of the water in the radiator. Antifreeze also is the very thing you need to create heat in the car to stay warm and defrost those frozen windows. Several key factors should be kept in mind especially in the winter time.

The cooling system should be kept full
The correct mix of antifreeze and water will prevent damage
Use the correct type of antifreeze
Have your coolant system and antifreeze inspected before the freezing temperatures hit.

Antifreeze Warning Signs

Fluid Puddles Under Car
No Heat Inside The Car
Dashboard Temperature Gauge Displays Too High or Too Low

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VIDEO: Cooling System Service

Batteries - Weak Batteries Will Go Dead In Freezing Temps

Batteries do not like cold weather, weak batteries hate it. It is difficult nowdays to tell when a battery is getting weak. More and more we are seeing people caught by surprise with a dead battery. To avoid getting stuck out in the cold with a car that won't start, follow these tips.

Have your battery professionally tested.
Be sure to look for loose connections
Be sure to look for corrosion on connections
Replace the batteries that are older than 5 years old

Battery Warning Signs

Engine Cranks Slowly
Dashboard Gauge Displays Too High or Too Low
Battery Is Older Than 5 Years Old

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VIDEO: Battery Service

Control - Stick To The Road - Stop Straight - See And Be Seen

Maintaining control on those wet slippery roads is the most important aspect of winter driving. The tires need to grab the road and the brakes need to stop the car straight. working headlamps, brake lights and windshield wipers make it easy for other drivers to see you and you to see them. These important tips can make the difference between chaos and control.

Inspect tire tread depth
Inspect tire air pressure
Inspect the brake system
Inspect head lamps, brake lamps and turn signals
Inspect wiper blades
Slow Down
Hang Up The Phone

Control Warning Signs

Worn or Low Pressure Tires
Grabbing or Pulling Brakes
Burnt out Headlamps or Brake Lamps
Torn or Dry Windshield Wipers

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VIDEO: Are Your Tires Safe?

It takes only a few moments to look things over. Taking the time to inspect things now can save a lot of trouble and a lot of money when the freezing temps and sloppy weather hit.

Stay Tuned
Brian
Marlboro Tire and Automotive
www.marlborotire.com
BETTER PRODUCTS - BETTER SERVICE - A BETTER CHOICE

2 Comments

Tires & Auto Repair in Upper Marlboro, MD

Serving the Upper Marlboro, MD area as the premier retailer of Michelin®, BFGoodrich® and Uniroyal® tires, Marlboro Tire and Automotive has a tire selection to meet any budget or specification. Improving the auto repair and tire servicing experience is the mission of all staff at Marlboro Tire. Whether you are receiving an oil change or total tire replacement all services are treated with the utmost importance and care.

Sean winstone link

4/6/2018 08:12:58 am

Extreme temperature could affects the performance of the vehicle to a greater extents. So, the condition of the battery needs to be evaluated prior to the arrival of the winter season. In order to evaluate the condition of the battery, we could conduct a volt test. If the battery is more than four year old, then it should be replaced with suitable substitutes in order to ensure continuous power supply. Tire pressure and tread depth also needs to be inspected on a daily basis and should be properly inflated in order to produce better grip on the road surface.

Naomi Roth

9/3/2018 09:01:47 am

Thanks for sharing the importance of antifreeze to counter the negative outcome of the winter. Antifreeze plays a key role in the performance of the vehicle by keeping the temperature of the engine at an optimum level. Lack of adequate amount of antifreeze is more than enough to jeopardize the functioning of the engine. So, the antifreeze level should be inspected at a regular interval and antifreeze flush is also essential to keep the vehicle in good running order. Wants to know, how coolant leakage could jeopardize the functioning of the engine, visit https://www.cerroneseuropean.com/do-coolant-leaks-affect-the-engine-operation-in-your-bmw/

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