Family owned business offers tips on winterizing your vehicle
By: Joe Grace
Webster’s dictionary describes winter as: the coldest season of the year that is after autumn and before spring. If the recent bouts of below average temperatures we have experienced are any indication as to what is coming, then we may be facing a long, cold winter. At the sign of the first frost we rushed to order firewood, grabbed the jackets out of storage, and stocked up on soups and other comfort foods. But, did you remember to take care of your vehicle? Without a properly cared for vehicle, one can find themselves in dire straits.
Remember last year’s one-inch snowstorm that brought the general Atlanta area to a grinding halt? One has to wonder, how many of those stranded would have actually made it home if their vehicles were ready for winter? Winterizing your vehicle is such a simple process and after having a conversation with Danny and Susan Radford of Friendship Complete Automotive Care located in Suwanee, we compiled a list of what needs to be done to ensure that your vehicle is road ready for winter.
Being an owner of Mustangs, and having lived the harsh winter climates of Pennsylvania, Missouri and North Carolina, I understand what needs to be done. However, if you have never winterized your vehicle, or don’t know how to winterize a vehicle, then calling Friendship Complete Automotive Care to make an appointment is a must.
With the recent cold weather, they have already seen many customers come in with issues related to cold weather. Between battery replacements, new tires and something as simple as refilling windshield washer fluid, they have been busy!
Some of you may already be familiar with Danny Radford, as he has owned Friendship Paint and Body for the last 11 years, with locations in Suwanee and Stone Mountain. To further enhance the expert car service that you normally would expect at Friendship, the Radfords areproud to welcome a long-time and well-known expert in the car repair business, Glen Jackson, on board. Thus, making the team at Friendship even stronger!
When visiting Friendship Complete Automotive Care, I was impressed with the way the shop looks and operates. The staff is knowledgeable and careful to not offer unnecessary repairs. They treat their customers with respect, and that is the best kind of service to offer. Now is the best time for you to get ‘into gear’, and be sure your vehicle is ready for winter.
Top 10 Things that need to be checked to Winterize Your Vehicle
1. Check tires & tire pressure. Use the penny coin system: take a penny, turn it upside down and insert it into the grooves of your tires. If Lincoln’s head disappears, then your tires are fine. If you can see his entire head, then you seriously need new tires.
2. Check all belts and hoses – cold weather weakens them. Nothing like seeing all your fluids under your car due to a split hose.
3. Check anti-freeze: it protects the engine in freezing weather.
4. Check wiper blades and windshield de-icer. Replace your windshield wipers once a year and spend money on good wipers!
5. Battery check or replacement: cranking power is diminished on older batteries.
6. Replace burnt out or weak headlights and taillights.
7. Engine performance check. Is your engine sluggish or just not sounding
right?
8. Filter check/replacement. Are the air filters, gas filters and cabin filters clean? Have you had a cabin filter changed since you owned your vehicle?
9. Heating and A/C check. If not working properly, then you can’t defrost your windows!
10. Check shocks, struts and brakes. If your suspension system and brakes are not in good working order, even the best tires will not help in a panic stop.
And, from many years of personal experience, make sure your cell phone is fully charged, have a phone charger in your car at all times, purchase a good window scraper with brush for those rare snow and ice days, and carry a blanket, flashlight and reflector kit along with some snacks and water.
For more information visit friendshipcac.com.
