Whether you’re doing some traveling for the holidays or sticking around town, make sure your car won’t give you problems. The Madison auto care pros at one of Madison Auto Care’s seven NAPA service centers can help you with that.
Madison has a lot of fun things to do around the holiday time. Fun stuff like the lights at the Henry Vilas Zoo. Those are the type things that make it easy to entertain out of town guests who come visiting. They’re also the type of events that keep the kids busy while you’re preparing for the holidays and that holiday road trip that many take this time of year.
The holidays are also an awful time for your car to break down. A disabled car prevents you from doing all those errands to prepare for the holidays and, if it breaks down on the road, you’re stuck in snow and ice for maybe hours while over worked repair trucks get to you. As for getting anything repaired, it’s not likely to happen fast because so many places are closed.
That’s why it makes sense to prepare your car for the holidays – particularly if you’re headed out on the road.
"Cold weather will only make existing problems worse. A breakdown, while never pleasant, can be deadly in the winter,” the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence says.
The ASE offers these tips to make sure your car is holiday ready:
- Engine Performance – “Get engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good repair shop. Cold weather makes existing problems worse. Replace dirty filters air, fuel, PCV, etc.”
- Oil – “Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual more often (every 3,000 miles or so) if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.”
- Cooling System – “The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended.”
- Heater/Defroster - The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.
- Windshield Wipers – “Replace old blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubberclad (winter) blades to fight ice buildup. Stock up on windshield washer solvent you'll be surprised how much you use. Carry an ice-scraper.”
- Battery – “The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; retighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly.”
- Lights – “Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses. “
- Exhaust System – “Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and floorboards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes can be deadly.”
- Tires – “Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires "cool down" before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don't forget your spare and be sure the jack is in good condition.”
If you’re looking for a reliable Madison auto care technician to help you with these checks, look no further than the Madison auto care specialists at one of Madison Auto Care’s seven NAPA service centers: Clausen Auto, Handel Auto, Genin’s Auto, Capitol Tire, Odana Tire, Hansen’s Auto, or Aeschbach Auto.
Madison Auto Care’s experts can help you with that.
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