Remember Last Winter?

 

Is Your Car Ready?

 

 

Unless you spent last winter on a warm tropical island, the memory of last winter is a good lesson of just how cruel Mother Nature can be.  Before long, winter will once again be upon us.  As a result of last winter's harsh weather there was a significant increase of winter related car problems.  Many of these problems were due to lack of proper vehicle maintenance and may have been avoided.  Also, the cold, ice, snow, salt and wind can have damaging effects on your vehicle.

The Best insurance against a breakdown or a no start on a cold winter day is preventive maintenance.  And the best time to have your car checked out for the winter is now.  some of the more critical items to inspect are:  The battery, antifreeze, heater, hoses, belts, defroster, tires, fluids, wipers, lights, brakes, suspension and filters.  Also, ensure your car is up to date with all required maintenance services.

Be prepared this winter and ensure you have the proper tires on your vehicles.
Stop in today for a FREE Tire and Battery Check or make an appointment online at:  Service Appointment.  and, while you're there ask about our 30-day Price Match on Tires.

Audia Chevrolet Automotive Blog: The Long Haul - Caring For Your Vehicle

Audia Chevrolet Automotive Blog: The Long Haul - Caring For Your Vehicle: FIVE TIPS TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR VEHICLE In these times we are all looking for ways to keep our cost down especially when it comes to o...

The Long Haul - Caring For Your Vehicle

FIVE TIPS TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR VEHICLE

In these times we are all looking for ways to keep our cost down especially when it comes to our vehicles.  Periodic maintenance is key to prolonging the life of one’s vehicle and if properly maintained you can ride your vehicle well into the “golden years”

Follow these rules and you can keep your vehicle running in proper condition especially thru the harsh winter months.



Don't Neglect Service

You didn’t get a 100,000 miles by putting off those service visits, so don’t start now! Higher mileage   

vehicles need service more then ever.  Keep up with those oil changes as recommended in your manual,

every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.  Some vehicles can go longer.  Keep an eye other parts as well, particularly

brakes and tires.

Tend to Your Tires

Keeping your tires rotated, inflated and properly maintained is essential to the life of your car, whatever the mileage, and as your vehicle ages the way your tires wear may change too.  If your tires start to wear unevenly or if you feel the car shake, shimmy or pull to one side while you drive you probably have some balance or alignment issues to look into.   Properly inflated tires equals good fuel mileage and that means less work for an aging engine, too.  See that they’re inflated to the specs on the inside of the driver’s side door, and remember to prolong the life of your tires by rotating and balancing every other oil change.

It’s All In the Timing

If your car has a timing belt, you’ll want to replace it at the recommended time (60,000 miles for many models—check your owners manual to be certain).  An aging belt can cause engine problems and a damaged one can leave you marooned—or worse, cause serious damage to your engine.

Lookin'' Sharp!                 

Finally, don’t neglect the looks of your car.  You’ll want to make sure you give the outside of your car as much TLC as you give to the moving parts under the surface.  Of course, this is about more than just looking good—washing and waxing don’t just preserve your shining finish, they help keep rust at bay and that is good for everything under the surface. Too

Follow these tips and talking with your service technician, you and  your car could have a brilliant future together.

Tis the Season for Holiday Parties... Not Drinking and Driving

It’s that time of the year and everyone’s celebrating the holidays! Many of us either host or attend a holiday party during this month.  So, whether you’re attending a work event or a family party – eating and drinking alcoholic beverages, it’s important to remember to have a plan prior to arriving.  Assign a designated driver, have the number to a local cab company or know your public transportation route.  Avoid driving if under the influence of alcohol. You’re not only putting yourself in danger, but other passengers and motorists as well.

A Few Myths About Drinking and Driving
Think you know everything there is to know about drinking and driving - think again!

1.  Coffee or a cold shower will sober you up. False: Only time can sober you up.

2.  If you avoid liquor and stay with beer and wine you will be fine. False: A 12 oz. beer and  

      a 5 oz glass of  wine have as much alcohol as a 1.5 oz glass of whisky.

3.   As long as you roll down the windows and turn up the radio, you will be okay to drive

      home. False: Neither of these will help enhance your alertness, motor skills or judgment.

4.       By driving slow, you will avoid getting into an accident. False: Driving too slow could

      potentially cause an accident and besides, driving under the influence is never a good idea

      at any speed.

The Consequences of Drinking and driving are very serious. 

You can potentially harm innocent people including yourself.  So, follow some simple rules if you’re attending a holiday party this season.   

·                       Ask friends to designate a driver before the party begins.

·                       Collect everyone's coats and keys as they arrive.

·                       Encourage lively conversations and group activities that focus on fun and not alcohol.

·                       Make food and non-alcoholic drinks easily available.

·                       Provide plenty of food so the focus is not solely on alcohol. Never serve alcohol to   

              anyone under the age of 21.

·                       If someone has had too much to drink, offer to have them spend the night or call a cab –

              don't let them drive home drunk.