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WINTER CHECK AND INSPECT LIST:

Battery, Charging System & Starting System

Tires

Fluids, LOF, Coolant Flush

Belts, Hoses

Brakes

Windshield Wipers

Lights and Signals




Battery, Charging Starting Systems: Cold weather increases the strain on the battery, starting and charging systems. Starting with your battery, ask yourself, is it run down? A good battery will accept and hold a charge and deliver the rated number of amps on demand. A bad battery won't accept a charge and cannot supply the amps on demand as the cells are damaged or worn out. Moving from the battery to the alternator, you should know that the alternator is designed to maintain battery charge, not to recharge a dead battery. Overloading the charging system with a dead or significantly low battery can actually cause your alternator to fail from being overworked. That said, your alternator generates 'alternating current' which powers many things in your vehicle such as your headlights, blower motor for the heat, cooling fan, your wipers and defogger to name a few. Even if your alternator malfunctions or dies, your vehicle will still run for a period of time directly off the battery until all the battery's energy is drained. Moving to the Starting System, which includes your battery, starter motor, solenoid, ignition switch and sometimes a starter relay, converts electrical energy from the battery and alternator into mechanical energy to turn the engine over. As you can see, all these systems work together to insure that your vehicle starts, stays running and that things mentioned above such as your heat, wipers and headlights remain working. The object of preventative maintenance is to identify and correct potential problems before they occur. Don't wait until it's the middle of a New England Winter to get caught in the cold! Back to top.

Tires: Regardless of the traction electronics built into today's vehicles, when it comes to snow, traction really boils down to "Rubber Meets The Road". Some all season tires are adequate in the snow however many are not and all too often consumers don't understand the difference or importance between the two. With all of today's traction control and stability control systems, front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, four-wheel drive vehicles it can be very confusing when trying to decide the value and importance of snow tires. Various tires that are "rated" all-season have sport tire attributes, and are inadequate in the snow, even dangerous. SUVs with sport tires run into this scenario quite often. In addition, all season tires can stiffen in cold weather. Stiff tires = less traction. When replacing tires, replace all four to maximize safety. Replacing only 2 tires encourages unequal traction which can lead to loss of control. On snow covered roads, a vehicle may only have 0 to 20% traction as compared to that of a dry road surface. With this reduced level of adhesion, a vehicle has a very limited ability to maneuver, whether accelerating, braking or steering. In trying to determine whether you should choose all season or snow tires, consider the following: Do you live in an area where you may have a bad snow storm but the roads are clean a short time after the storm? Do you have an occupation that would require you to be driving your vehicle in a snow storm? Do you take frequent trips to Central or Northern New England (or even further north) where snow is more constant? Is your vehicle rear-wheel drive? Front-wheel drive? All or four-wheel drive? Remember, you don't have to use snow tires but it should be a serious consideration depending on the answers to the above questions. For help making your decision, contact us or Montouri Tire. We'd be happy to discuss it and aid you in your decision! Back to top.

Fluids, LOF and Coolant Flush: Cold temperatures test your vehicle's performance and make maintenance even more critical. All your vehicles fluids should be checked before the cold weather sets in. This includes brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze. At Guaranty, all these fluids are checked routinely when you bring your vehicle in for an oil change (LOF). Hot weather in the summer causes fluids to evaporate, hoses, seals, gaskets and other connections to leak. In addition, it's a good idea to get a cooling system flush and be certain the ideal antifreeze is in your vehicle, based on manufacturer's recommendation (see your owners manual). It is recommended that your coolant be flushed every two years (unless using an extended-life coolant in many newer vehicles) and fall is a great time to do it. Lastly, switching to a synthetic oil during cold weather will help your vehicle operate more efficiently and will also make it easier to start in extremely cold weather. Back to top.

Belts, Hoses: Belts and hoses, thermostats and clamps should be inspected for damage and wear as well as functionality. Replacing worn or damaged parts now before the cold weather comes will keep you on the road and out of the shop with these repairs which could lead to more costly repairs down the road. Also beware of the 'quickie' change shops and have your belts, hoses and filters inspected by a Guaranty Auto ASE Certified Technician. We promise we won't try to replace something that doesn't need to be! Back to top.

Brakes: Few things are more fundamental to your vehicle's safety than a fully functioning brake system, especially in winter where New England roads can be slippery with snow, ice and black ice. Common signs of wear include a low or 'spongy' pedal, brake warning lights and continuous squeals and grinding sounds. Avoiding brake repair can be very dangerous and will eventually cost more to fix later if ignored. Back to top.

Windshield Wipers: You should be scrutinizing your wiper blades every time you fill your gas tank actually. If the rubber is ragged or brittle they should be replaced. Hot, prolonged high temperatures in the summer can actually cause the rubber to melt and attach to the windshield. Additionally, sleet and snow can Cold Back to top.

Lights and Signals: Don't get caught in the dark this winter. Check and test your headlights, brake lights, tail lights, directionals and emergency flashers. Replace any weak, damaged or non-functioning bulbs. ABack to top.lso make sure your headlights are aimed correctly for maximum visibility. Back to top







 

Questions?  We've got HONEST answers!

In order to better serve our customers, we've developed this list of Frequently Asked Questions and list of helpful informational articles below.

Have a specific question or concern that is not addressed here? ASK ERIC!

How to Communicate for Better Automotive Service. (Reproduced from Tech-Net Professional Auto Service Brochure.)
 
 Protect your Automotive Investment: Choose and ASE-Certified Technician. (Reproduced from Tech-Net Professional Auto Service Brochure.)
 
 Choosing a Repair Shop: A Checklist for Consumers. (Reproduced from Tech-Net Professional Auto Service Brochure.)
 
 Don't Get Stuck Out In The Cold! (Reproduced from Tech-Net Professional Auto Service Brochure.)
 
 Keeping Your Vehicle in Tune with the Environment - Did you know... (Reproduced from Tech-Net Professional Auto Service Brochure.)
 
 What Everyone Should Know about Wheel Alignment. (Reproduced from Hunter Engineering Company Brochure.)

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