How to Prepare Your Car for Winter

As the days grow short and the evenings turn chilly, one thing is for sure: winter is coming. During this season, it’s important to prepare your vehicle for winter driving to ensure the safety of yourself and others. You can always visit Rob’s Automotive & Collision for a pre-winter check-up of your vehicle. Our expert automotive technicians will thoroughly inspect your car or truck to ensure it’s ready for the winter season ahead. Better yet, take advantage of our current promotion: Free 50-Point Winter Check-Up with Every State Inspection for Only $49.99!

In the meantime, here are some simple steps you can take to avoid getting stuck in the cold.

Check Your Battery

Car batteries tend to weaken over time, but they are especially sensitive to the freezing temperatures of winter. To be sure your battery is safe to make it through the winter, it’s best to get it tested before the cold weather sets in. A bad battery diagnosis can be made in minutes, saving you the headache of being stranded in the cold with a car that refuses to start.

At Rob’s, our technicians can test and easily replace your battery if needed. We will also check your battery’s terminals and clean them of excess corrosion.

In a worst-case scenario where your car battery fails, we offer professional tow truck services in Bristol, PA, and throughout the neighboring regions. Wherever you need us, whenever you need us, we’ll be there! 

Check Your Tires

Did you know that as the temperature drops, so does your tire’s air pressure? Consumer Reports estimates that tires lose, on average, one psi for every 10oF drop in temperature. Now, imagine what that does to your tires during the freezing Pennsylvania winters.  

Low tire pressure leads to decreased gas mileage and can severely impact the wear on your tire’s tread. This may lead to a dangerous loss of handling, putting you and your loved ones’ safety at risk.

You can easily check your tire pressure by using a tire pressure gauge. Always fill your tires to the manufacturer’s suggested pressure, as stated in your owner’s manual. If you are unable to check your car’s tires, our technicians will be happy to give you a hand and ensure they are correctly filled and in good working order.

Check Your Wiper Blades

There is nothing more dangerous than navigating a road in winter weather with inferior wiper blades. If you see any of the following signs, it’s time for a new set of wipers. 

Check Your Fluids

As the temperature drops, your car works harder. Without the proper fluid levels, the stress on your vehicle is even greater. It is essential to check all of your car’s fluids before the cold weather. Check your oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant. Also, replace your windshield washer fluid with a mixture intended to withstand freezing temperatures. Making sure your car’s fluids are fresh and correctly filled is a critical component of preparing your vehicle for the winter.

Our technicians will go through the fluid inspection process for you if you aren’t sure what to look for. We will make sure your vehicle’s fluids are correctly filled and in good condition.

Have Your Brakes Checked

High-quality brakes are perhaps the most important safety factor in winter driving. When the roads are slick from the rain or snow, you need your brakes to react as swiftly as you do. Worn out brakes that take one second too long to bring your car to a complete and full stop could be the reason you find yourself in an accident. 

Bring your vehicle in for an inspection at Rob’s Automotive & Collision, where our service technicians will check your vehicle’s brakes and let you know of any issues we encounter. We are also available for roadside assistance in Bristol, PA, and the surrounding areas if your vehicle gives an indication of brake failure. 

Don’t drive into the winter unprepared. Contact us to schedule a pre-winter inspection at your earliest convenience. Our technicians have the training and hands-on experience to address any issue you may have. Rob’s is certified by 14 major manufacturers, so you can trust our ability to handle any problem, no matter the vehicle type.

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