Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Keeping your Vehicle in top condition this Winter

A safe, smooth ride and a trip to the repair shop




* Make Sure the Battery is Strong 
A weak battery is less reliable and can take longer to start your car on cold mornings. In fact, a weak battery could lose about one third of its power or more in colder conditions (e.g. below 32 degrees Fahrenheit). Make sure that connections are tight and free of corrosion and have your battery tested to ensure it has ample power to withstand the cold. Start the car with the heater, lights and window defrosters turned off to minimize battery strain
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* Clean the Engine Air Filter- The engine air filter is a vehicle’s lung. A clean air filter helps the engine combust an optimal air-to-fuel mixture, making it run more smoothly and efficiently. When your air filter is clogged, your engine has to work harder and therefore is not operating at peak performance. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to find out when it needs to be replaced. 
* Pay Attention to Oil Grade -- Motor oil lubricates the engine, keeping it cool and reducing the friction between moving parts. As motor oil circulates, it also cleans away harmful dirt and contaminants. In general, you should use the lightest grade of oil your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends for the conditions you drive in. During the winter, this may mean an even lighter grade than usual. Most vehicle owner’s manual specifies the correct grade of motor oil for your vehicle during certain driving conditions and seasons. 

* Keep an Eye on Tire Pressue- Under-inflated tires create extra friction where the rubber meets the road. Improperly inflated tires also wear unevenly, which can impact your vehicle’s traction on the road and possibly lead to a dangerous blowout. Check your tire pressure regularly and make sure all of them are filled to the correct level -- and remember your spare tire, which can lose pressure in the cold. 

Proper tire pressure is vehicle-specific. Tire pressure information for a vehicle is found on a decal typically in the vehicle’s door jamb or in the vehicle owner’s manual. Do not follow the pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire, as this number is specific to the tire, not the vehicle. 

* Check Your Antifreeze/Coolant- Antifreeze helps control the temperature of a vehicle’s engine. Since it remains liquid and does not freeze in cold temperatures, antifreeze also helps protect the engine during extreme cold starts. Servicing your vehicle’s cooling system according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations can help you avoid costly repairs down the line. Check your owners’ manual for how often it should be replaced.
* Watch the Wiper Blades
The normal life expectancy for most windshield wiper blades is six to 12 months. Check and clean the windshield wiper blades or replace them if necessary. Checking and replacing them as needed can improve visibility to help avoid a very dangerous situation on the road -- particularly in snowy and stormy conditions.



 * In Case of Emergency-  Maintain a vehicle emergency kit including a first aid kit, jumper cables, flashlight, bottled water, extra blankets, gloves and hat, granola/energy bars, duct tape, and a can of Fix-a-Flat. You never know when you will need these essentials. 

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Chevy Volt Winter Driving Tips

Cold Weather Tips

        Getting The Most From Your Chevy Volt in Cold Weather

Chevy Volt Winter Driving Tips
Winter weather and road conditions in Milbrook, New York present a widespread set of challenges to drivers. Chevy Volt owners, however, have a few additional things to keep in mind during the frigid winter months. Although cold weather and rough terrain will impact the Volt’s electric driving range, there are a few Chevy Volt winter driving tips that help ensure Volt owners continue getting the most from each electric mile.

Warm Up Before Driving 
No one wants to get into a cold car, but Chevy Volt owners have even more reasons to warm up the cabin before driving. Take advantage of power from the grid by heating the cabin while the Volt is charging. Using the key fob, MyVolt.com, or the RemoteLink app, Volt owners remotely can start the car and get the cabin toasty warm before entering. Once you’re ready to drive, the Volt won’t have to use as much energy to heat that cabin, as it already warmed up using power from the grid. For best results, use a 240-volt charger.

Keep the Heat from the Seat
Running the heat at its capacity will cause the electric range to decline. Chevy engineers say it takes less to heat the seats than it does the cabin. Therefore, by simply setting the climate setting to Eco rather than Comfort and using the available heated seats to keep drivers and passengers warm, Volt owners can stay comfortable and use more of their charge for driving.

Turn up the Tire Pressure
Check the label inside the door of the Chevy Volt to find the recommended tire pressure and ensure it doesn’t drop far below that mark. Properly inflated tires can help increase electric driving range and conserve fuel while operating on the Volt’s gas-powered engine.

Engine-Assisted Heating
To help keep the cabin warm, drivers can select the outside temperature at which the gas-powered generator will run to help heat the car while operating in Electric Mode. When the temperature is around 35 degrees, engine-assisted heating will maximize electric driving range while sipping fuel to help warm the cabin. Engine-assisted heating is only available in 2013 and 2014 Chevy Volt.

Visit audiamotors.com and test drive one today