Well, the winter season is upon us and here at Garber Buick, we want to help prepare you before the bad weather hits. Driving in the snow, ice and freezing rain is never fun and can be extremely dangerous. We highly recommend to stay inside where you’re safe and warm during a storm, but if you must travel, please check out these safety tips and remember them to stay safe this season!
Get Routine Tune-Ups
Start the winter season off right & swing by the Garber Buick Service Department for a tune-up and other routine maintenance. Have your entire vehicle thoroughly checked out for leaks, bad worn hoses or other needed parts, repairs and replacements.
Check Your Battery
Battery power drops when the temperatures drop & it can take more battery power to start your vehicle in the cold winter weather than in the warmer months of the year. Have a mechanic check your battery for sufficient voltage, inspect the charging system & belts, replace the battery or make system repairs if needed and always maintain a full tank of fuel.
Check Your Cooling System
When coolant freezes, it expands, which could potentially damage your vehicles engine block. Make sure you have enough coolant in your vehicle and it’s designed to withstand the winter temperatures. Be sure to also check the cooling system for any leaks. Not sure what you’re looking for? No worries, our mechanics are properly trained on how to do this inspection and can help you out.
Fill The Windshield Washer Reservoir
You’ll be surprised as to how much windshield wiper fluid you’ll use during a single snow storm, let alone an entire winter season. Be sure to use “no-freeze” fluid and buy extra to keep at home and in your vehicle.
Check Windshield Wipers and Defrosters
Maintaining the best visibility possible while driving goes hand in hand with safe driving. Make sure to replace worn wiper blades before the winter season and to get your defrosters replaced if they aren’t working properly.
Stock You Vehicle
Be sure to keep a handful of items in your vehicle during the winter months, whether it’s for daily use or emergency use. These items may include: Snow shovel, broom, ice scraper, jumper cables, flashlight, warning devices such as flares or road markers, blankets, cell phone chargers, water, food and any necessary medicine (especially when taking long road trips or when traveling through lightly populated areas)
Know Your Car
Every vehicle handles differently, especially when it comes to driving on wet, icy or snowy roads. Drive slowly. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. When you’re on the road, increase your following distance so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for other vehicles ahead of you. Know what kind of brakes your vehicle has and how to use them properly. If you have anti-lock brakes: Apply firm, continuous pressure. If you don’t have anti-lock brakes: Pump the brakes gently.
Know What To Do In An Emergency
A few safety tips include:
Stay with your car and don’t overexert yourself.
Put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light turned on.
To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, don’t run your vehicle for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space. If you must run your vehicle, clear the exhaust pipe of any snow and run it only sporadically (just enough to keep warm.)
Sound like you might need to schedule an appointment with us to have your vehicle checked out? Click here! Or, if you’re looking for a great vehicle that can handle the snow, stop by Garber Buick in Saginaw, Michigan today and we can help find the perfect vehicle for you, whether it’s a brand new Buick or a Pre-Owned Truck. These vehicles will keep you safe all year round. Garber Buick is located at 5925 State Street, Saginaw, MI 48603. For more information on Garber Buick, be sure to give us a call at (989) 497-4444.
