To help keep your vehicle in peak condition this winter, Panda Tire & Auto has provided a few tips on how to properly winterize your vehicle.
According to journeyman technician Crystal Moggey, the best time to consider winterizing your vehicle is the start of September.
“It never hurts to check (your vehicle) starting Sept. 1st, because we’ve had plenty of times where we have that freak snowstorm in the middle of September.
“Once it reaches seven degrees Celsius, snow can happen in an instant,” she warned.
Winter vehicle check-up
For a peace of mind inspection, Panda Tire & Auto offers a complete winter package with all oil services starting in September.
The checkup includes an alternator, battery, and starter inspection, as well as testing coolant strength and examining the block heater. Moggey points out that block heaters are a critical component for winter driving in Saskatchewan.
It’s also important to ensure fluids are topped up and clean. “The cleaner the fluid, the easier it is to start when it’s cold,” she said.
Common problems
Three common repairs during the winter are curb rash from skids, damaged struts or shocks, and power steering issues.
Struts should be inspected before winter sets in. “If they are weak, or the seals are failing, the seals will fail completely when it gets too cold,” warned Moggey.
“Power steering is probably one of the biggest failure points in the wintertime, because any power steering line that is weak will fail as soon as the fluid is too cold and thick to flow through,” Moggey said, noting that any leaks should be checked immediately.
A gradual power steering failure will create a grinding noise and make steering difficult.
Warm your vehicle
Every vehicle should run for at least five minutes prior to driving, to allow enough time for fluids to warm up and function properly.
Batteries
The best way to keep your battery from failing is to keep it charged.
“If you’re just doing in-town driving, it takes more power out of the battery than it puts into it. Highway driving keeps the battery charged, because it gives the alternator enough time to keep that battery charged up,” explained Moggey.
If most of your driving is done in town, Moggey suggests putting a maintainer on the battery to keep the voltage up and help prevent freezing.
Visibility
To keep your windshield from icing up, Moggey suggests using a washer fluid with a built-in de-icer. Several products are available for this purpose.
You can also apply an exterior windshield cover after you’re done driving. This helps prevent a warm windshield from melting fresh snow into ice while the vehicle is parked.
As the winter months are darker, it’s important to ensure all external lights are functioning.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility, including pedestrians. Many workplaces require black for a uniform colour, and it’s advisable to wear something brightly coloured or reflective to help motorists see you.
Winter tires
The best way to find a suitable winter tire is to talk to a tire specialist.
Studded tires provide the best traction for in-town driving, especially at icy intersections that result from motorists spinning their tires. If you want the best traction for the lowest price, Moggey suggests exploring economy grade studded tires.
The best time to swap tires is when temperatures start to hover around seven degrees Celsius.
Winter safety kit
Every motorist in Saskatchewan should keep a winter safety kit in their vehicle.
According to Moggey, two must-have items are spare candles and blankets for warmth.
It’s also important to carry a fully charged cellphone and let others know where you’re headed.
Your gas tank should be kept full during the winter, especially before leaving town. Even if your destination is close by, winter storms can blow in without warning or a patch of black ice can cause your vehicle to slide into deep snow.
To book an inspection, Panda Tire & Auto is one of Moose Jaw’s premier automotive service providers and the shop is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Panda Tire & Auto is located at 888 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-691-0080.
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