Winter Auto Tips
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1907 Van Vranken Avenue
Schenectady, New York 12308
518-377-4722
Located in Schenectady, NY
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Dave's Winter Tips

Now that winter is here, i want to give you these tips for making your travels safer and improving your car's performance in the cold, snow and ice.  Since you are a valued customer I've included some offers that I hope will warm your heart. 

Get Your Motor Running 

  1. Have your battery load-tested and serviced.  On a frigid morning, you might get red-hot (mad) if the battery won't start your car.  We can do a quick load-test free!
  2. Early winter is the best time to have a tune=up.  Your car will start easier all winter with fresh spark plugs and filters.  Save 10% on a winter tune-up! 
  3. When changing your oil, ask for a lighter weight such as 5w3. or 10w30.  With lighter oil, your engine will crank over easier when it's cold.  
  4. Use isopropyl-type dry gas additive to prevent the gasoline line from freezing and to reduce rusting in the gas tank.  On newer cars, use dry gas every third or fourth tankful.  On older cars, use it every other tankful. 
  5. Have you antifreeze tested to make sure it's ready for extreme cold.  If the antifreeze freezes, the engine block could crack.  BIG TROUBLE. Let us check your antifreeze- FREE. 

Maintain High Visibility 

  1. Clear away Ice and snow before you turn on your wipers.  I replace many broken wiper systems every winter because most people don't follow this rule.  Receive a heavy duty ice scraper with any service. 
  2. Install winter wiper blades.  They don't freeze up like standard blades do.  We odder winter blades to  16.50/each installed. 
  3. Warm up your car before starting it.  It's safer for you because your windows will have a change to clear, and it's better for then engine.  
  4. Get your heater controls on the fresh air setting (if your car has one. ) This will reduce inside window fogging and icing. 
  5. Kick the snow off your boots as you get in the car.  Less moisture in the car reduces window fogging and icing.  Moisture also rusts floors. 

Better Traction = More Safety

  1. Check the tread depth of your tires.  Tires that were okay in summer may not work well in the snowy, icy conditions.  If you need new tires, we carry Nokian, the very best. 
  2. Carry one or two heavy bags of sand or kitty litter in the trunk to add weight for traction.  If you get stuck on ice or in snow, scatter it in front of the drive wheels for more traction. 
  3. Stop to fill your has tank whenever it's half full.  A  full tank prevents water condensation in the tank and the weight of the gas supplies better traction. 
  4. Check the air pressure in your tires often.  For every 10-degree drop in temperature, tire pressure drops one pound.  Low tire pressure reduces gas mileage, increases tire wear, and affects safety and ride.

It's Common Sense

  1. Allow extra time to reach your destination.  Drive slowly on wet, slushy, snowy, or icy roadways. 
  2. Watch out for bridges when the temperature is around 25 to 35 degrees.  Bridge surfaces freeze long before roads do.  We offer free estimates on body repair if you have a mishap. 
  3. Turn on your headlights no matter what time of day you're driving. In the winter, it's much easier for other to see you coming. 
  4. Always carry a blanket and shovel incase of emergency. 
Call us for FREE estimates!
518-377-4722
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