How Carson Cars Prepares Your Car for Winter

It seems like yesterday you were advised to prepare your vehicle for Summer driving – right? Well…believe it or not, it’s time to Winterize your vehicle! Carson Cars is the Everett Expert for Auto Winterizing. While there are some steps you must take before Winter arrives, there are many that are best left to the professionals:

1. Emergency/First Aid Kit

Above all else, be prepared for emergencies! You can purchase a pre-packed automotive emergency kit or put your own together. Be certain you pack at minimum:

• Road Flares
• Flashlight – either a Faraday or a wind-up to avoid dead batteries
• Blankets – preferably wool like Army blankets (at least one for each member of your family)
• Emergency (reflective) blankets (one for each member of your family)
• Shovel
• Water (at least one gallon for each member of your family)
• Non-perishable food/snacks (include energy bars, peanut butter crackers, etc. to sustain your family for several days)
• Bag of sand or kitty litter to provide traction
• Heavy Duty Jumper Cables
•  Ponchos (one for each member of your family)
• Multiple use tool (Swiss Army knife or Leatherman)
• Gloves & Hats (one pair for each member of your family)
• Chemical Heat Packs as needed for hands and feet
• Light sticks or emergency candles
• Matches

2. Oil Change

Be certain to have the Oil Experts at Carson Cars change the oil in your vehicle before any extended winter trip. Make sure the oil used is correct for extreme winter driving. The Everett Winter Experts for your car at Carson Cars will assure that your oil is ready for winter.

3. Battery

The Battery Experts at Carson Cars can inspect your present battery to determine if it will be suitable for winter conditions. By having the battery checked now, you can avoid serious problems down the road. Carson Cars can replace your vehicle’s battery for the optimum product for your car.

4. Cooling System

Although it may seem counterintuitive to check the cooling system for winter driving – it is essential that the antifreeze be at a 50/50 mixture with water to insure the fluid will not freeze. Remember, even though it is cold outside, the combustion process and friction still produces heat!

5. Belts & Hoses

The technicians at Carson Cars will perform a thorough inspection of every hose and belt on your vehicle to assure there are no signs of excessive wear and tear. Any belts that do show signs of excessive wear and tear must be replaced to assure safe driving conditions.

6. Tires

Every tire must be thoroughly inspected prior to the hazards of winter driving. Insufficient tread will cause unsafe driving conditions and tires in such condition must be replaced immediately. Be certain to have tires rotated and suspension properly balanced prior to winter as well. The technicians at Carson Cars will also adjust the pressure in your tires to reflect manufacturer’s recommendations for cold weather driving.

7. Brakes

It is essential that the entire brake system be fully inspected and repaired as indicated. Never drive a vehicle with less than perfect brakes! Remember the effective stopping distance in rainy or other inclement weather conditions is increased so optimum braking power is essential.

8. Visibility

Carson Cars will assure that every external lamp illuminates properly (headlights, tail lights, fog lights, brake lights, high beams, turn signals, etc.) during your vehicle’s Winterization for Everett Winters. Additionally, your windshield wiper blades will be replaced and the fluid in the windshield washer reservoir filled. It is essential that you use a cold weather windshield washer fluid to be certain it does not freeze!

9. Heat

It is strongly advised that you allow the Car Heating Experts at Carson Cars perform a full inspection of your heater before driving in inclement weather. The heater and defroster will be tested and repaired as indicated. Additionally, the rear defogger will also be tested and repaired as indicated.

Tips to Prepare for Winter Driving

If you do not have the advantage of storing your vehicle under cover (garage), invest in a windshield protector to make cleaning ice/snow off the windshield easier. Be certain to invest in a high quality ice scraper. Keep lock de-icer on hand – do not store in your car! That would defeat the purpose. If you’re feeling like a big spender, invest in a remote car starter!