Fall is upon us with old man winter fast approaching. Winter weather is tough on us, and that goes for our vehicles too.  Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter with our quick reference checklist below.

• Check your vehicle’s anti-freeze protection and make sure it has a low enough protection level to protect your engine in freezing temperatures.  A cooling system service can correct your protection level if needed.
• Have your battery checked before winter sets in, cold weather requires higher amperage to start your vehicle than warmer weather and a marginal battery may fail during a cold snap leaving you stranded.
• Have your engine oil changed to the correct viscosity level for your geographical area along with inspecting all fluid levels and having them topped off as needed.
• Make sure your heater is in good working order before the cold weather sets in.
• Attention to your tires is critical for winter driving.  Remember during colder weather, as temperature drops it’s possible for the pressure inside your tires to drop, so check them often during the season.
• Wiper blades are often overlooked during the summer months and should be replaced twice a year.  Check the blades for visual damage and replace as needed. You may want to consider a windshield treatment like “Aquapel” for the rainy driving season.  This treatment increases visibility in inclement weather.
• Check all exterior lights and lamps for proper operation along with properly aimed headlamps.
• Belts and hoses are really put to the test during cold weather and have a higher failure rate during this season.  Have them checked and replace as needed.
• Check the condition and operation of your brakes.  Since most “quick lube” facilities do not inspect brakes during servicing, check your records for the last time your brakes were inspected and if it has been over 6 months have them inspected and tested for proper operation.
• Abs lamp on?  Did you know that if your  anti-lock brake lamp is on and your vehicle is equipped with a traction control system ,that  both your abs and traction control systems might be disabled compromising the handling of your vehicle?  If the abs lamp is on, have it repaired before winter driving.
• If you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle, make sure to test the 4 wheel drive system prior to inclement weather.  There is nothing worse than knowing you have it, to find out when you need it, it does not work.

We hope this small check list will help you become prepared for the bad weather ahead and wish you safe and dependable driving!

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact us.

Prepared by: Scott A. Carlson

Benchmark Automotive Tire & Service

Kingston Wa. 360-297-6812

benchmarkauto@msn.com

            www.benchmarkautoandtire.com