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Community Corner

Make Sure Your Vehicle is Ready For Winter

Here's some tips to make sure your vehicle is ready for the upcoming winter months.

With the approach of what many are predicting to be one of the coldest and snow-filled winters on record here in Ohio, it's a good time to protect your car from Mother Nature’s more formidable elements. 

Cliff Schmear at AAA has several pieces of advice for keeping your car running safely and smoothly in the winter months.

At the very top of his list he emphasized the importance of a healthy battery. Check how old yours is and get it tested by a professional. When the temperature starts dropping, the amount of calls AAA receives for battery jumps rises quite a bit. If it’s cold enough that your battery won’t start, it’s cold enough that you do not want to be stuck outside.

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While you’re getting your battery evaluated, you should also get your anti-freeze checked. You may need to have it flushed and replaced. Get your heater checked out as well.

Next, make sure your tires are in good shape. Have a set of all weather tires and double check that the tread on them is good. It’s also important to make sure your tire pressure is good. When there is a significant change in temperature, your tire pressure can change as well. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and when there is a significant change in the temperature. Keep a gage in the car with you.

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It’s just as important to be able to see in the winter as in other seasons, so make sure your wiper blades are in good shape and your wiper fluid anti-freeze is topped off as well. In the summer, many people use water as a substitute for wiper fluid. If this is the case, make sure you flush out the water so it doesn’t freeze in the tubes.

Finally, should you find yourself stuck somewhere in the snow, some things you may want to have in the trunk are a blanket, a flashlight, boots, and a shovel. It also might be useful to have some kitty litter or sand to place under a wheel to increase traction for getting out of icy areas.

Avon Lake has plenty of auto care places to help you with your winterizing needs.

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