Hertrich Winter Car Care Tips

Leafless trees.  Sparkling lights.  Whistling wind tunnels.  Gloves and Hats. Dead car batteries.  It is no secret that winter is here in full force on Delmarva! That doesn’t mean you need to rush out to your car, coffee in hand, turn the key in your vehicle and find your battery is dead on the same day you have a major meeting at work, at 8 am of course.  Or worse, don’t get stranded on the side of the road in blizzard conditions shivering waiting for a tow truck, that will be at least 4 hours getting to you.  Just like you turn on a light or heater to prevent your water pipes from freezer, there is preventative maintenance necessary for your vehicle to be ready to go when you are. Don’t worry- the list isn’t as intimidating as it looks.  Stop by any of our service locations or visit https://www.hertrichs.com/winter-car-care.htm for more information.
 
 

 

Don’t get a last minute surprise.  Have your battery charge checked by a trained technician, especially if you have had it for a few years.  They will also check for corrosion and to be sure the connections are tight.

 

Belts should be changed at 60,000 miles.  If you are getting close, be sure to have them checked for cracks or fraying.

 

Tires are the only thing connect your fast moving vehicle to the road.  Just like you get a wellness exam at the doctor, your tires need one to.  Check tread, balance and pressure.  It is not only brakes that control your vehicle’s stopping abilities. 

 

Liquid freezes in winter and your car has liquid in it to keep it cool when it is running.  If your coolant level isn’t right and the liquid freezes, you run the risk of cracking your engine.  Ask our service department what the lowest temperature is that your coolant will protect you at. 

 

It gets dark earlier in the winter, which likely means you will be driving in the dark more often.  It is hard to drive safely if you can’t see. Check all lights, including turn signals, hazards and brake lights.

 

In the winter, rain isn’t the only condensation you have to contend with.  There is snow, sleet, and wintry mix of whatever that nasty frozen stuff is.  Be sure your wiper blades completely clear the windshield.  You don’t want there to be ice on the roads and you not be able to see it.
 

Being able to stop quickly is key in the winter.  It helps keep you safe.  Next time you are in the shop, have one of our technicians check to be sure all components of your brakes are in proper working order.  

 

Some fluids could have started to evaporate in the summer.  Fluids Freeze in the winter.  Check to be sure your vehicle’s fluids are just right!  This includes washer fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid. 

 

Have an emergency road kit that stays in your car, just in case.  If you take all of these preventative measures, hopefully you never need it, but when you do, it’s too late to make one.  This should include a phone, drinking water, first-aid kit, non-perishable snacks for all passengers (even ones with paws!), snow shovel, extra warm clothes, blankets, abrasive material such as salt or cat litter, flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cables, cloth or paper towels, warning devices such as flares and triangles, and a basic toolkit. 
 

 

Don’t be like henry and have to jump your car this winter. Reduce your driving risk by preparing ahead of time. If you worry about your cars health this winter, visit our service department at any one of our 16 locations.  Click here to find your closest Hertrich service center. https://www.hertrichs.com/locations/service-locations.htm

 

Ready to schedule an appointment?  Click here to schedule online!  https://www.hertrichs.com/schedule-service.htm