Winter is a brutal time of the year, with below-freezing temperatures, bone-chilling wind gusts, and every surface covered in frost, ice, or snow. You wouldn’t go into the season of winter without preparing your home and closet for the change in weather, so don’t leave your car out of that mix either. Preparing your vehicle for any extreme weather conditions can be the difference between a safe, warm, and reliable ride home and you being broken down on the side of the road in a snowstorm. With Pugh’s Tire and Service Center, prepare your vehicle for the upcoming season, and stop by Pugh’s for an extra check-up of your fluids, heating and air, wheel alignment Greenville NC, and more.
- Replace dirty filters. Easily replaceable filters include your air and your PCV filter. Purchase replacement filters at your local autocare store, or bring your vehicle to Pugh’s for seasonal maintenance, and each filter will be checked, cleaned, or changed for you.
- Check your oil life and get it changed if needed. Having dirty, old oil can negatively affect your engine. Ensuring that your car has clean, fresh oil to lubricate your engine is as simple as checking your oil plug or looking in your autocare book for the date of your last oil change. On average, a vehicle’s oil should be changed every 6 months, however, this can vary depending on the type of oil, type of vehicle, and how often you drive. Communicate with your Pugh’s Tire and Service Center mechanic on when is best to get your oil changed.
- The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as needed. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is usually recommended. If you prefer to do this at home, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled!
- Ensure your defrost and heat work properly. While having heat in your car is more a personal preference and for the comfort of you and your passengers, it is not necessary, but your defrost is. Driving with limited to no visibility is dangerous for obvious reasons. Your defrost, when working properly clears your fogged or frosted windshield, permitting safe and open visibility for you while operating your vehicle. If you begin to notice your defrost or heat power decreasing, bring your vehicle into Pugh’s Tire and Service Center at your next convenience, we will get it fixed!
- Have your battery checked. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment, however, most vehicle owners can perform routine care. Be sure to wear proper eye protection and protective rubber gloves. Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; retighten all connections. Be sure to avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid.
- Worn tires are dangerous in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cuts or nicks. Check tire pressure once a month, rotate as recommended, and be sure to get a wheel alignment Greenville NC from a professional. Don’t forget to check your spare, and be sure the jack is in good working condition. Under-inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels makes your engine work harder and results in the use of excess gasoline.
- Have your brakes checked periodically. This seems like common sense, but hard stops, riding your brakes, and other repetitive, rough, actions can deplete the quality of your brakes. If your brakes don’t work, driving can become very dangerous, very fast. Thankfully, Pugh’s Tire and Service Center offers quality brake repair Greenville NC for any vehicle in need.
- Always carry an emergency kit with you. Even those who perform the best car care can have a freak accident. Always having an emergency kit that includes extra gloves, boots and blankets, flares, tire chains for a snowy environment, a flashlight and extra batteries, and an electric charger for your phone. Put a few snacks and a water jug or two in this kit will ensure that you are as prepared as possible for the worst-case scenario.
Pugh’s Tire And Service Centers | Greenville, NC
Pugh’s Tire and Service Center is prepared to help you prepare for the upcoming weather change. Emergencies happen on a daily basis, and we at Pugh’s want you to be as prepared and preventative as possible. If you are experiencing any concerns with your vehicle, drop it off at one of Pugh’s Greenville NC locations, and we will take care of your vehicle, as it was our own. Vehicle maintenance doesn’t need to be completed just in the case of an emergency, be proactive with keeping up with your car care by having regular wheel alignment Greenville NC, brake repair Greenville NC, and tire repair Greenville NC performed by the professional mechanics at Pugh’s Tire and Service Center today. Contact Pugh's Tire and Service Centers today to arrange your vehicle repair or other Greenville, Washington, and Williamston, NC auto repair services.
