Getting stranded is even worse in winter
Getting stranded is even worse in winter
To truly enjoy this holiday season, keep your motorized sleigh running smoothly. Being stranded on an icy roadside is no one’s idea of a winter wonderland. Let’s take a look at some simple steps you can take right now.
Being stranded on an icy roadside is no one’s idea of a winter wonderland. Here are some simple steps you can take right now.
Tire pressures can drop along with temperatures
Winter demands keeping a close eye on your tire pressures. An air temperature drop of 10 degrees can cause up to a 1 PSI drop in your tires. Proper inflation is key to safer driving and better gas mileage. Remember, air is always FREE at Tireman, 24/7.
Maintaining your battery in winter
Batteries don’t love cold weather. Temperatures at or below freezing can really put a strain on them, especially if you’re taking shorter trips. Your local Belle Tire can check your connections and make sure your battery is charged and ready for action all winter.
Antifreeze explained
Antifreeze does much more than its name suggests. When mixed with water and pumped through the engine (also called “coolant”), it helps keep things from seizing up because of cold external conditions, but it helps prevent overheating as well. It also contains chemicals that help prevent the corrosion of vital engine parts. Maintaining the proper coolant levels are important for keeping your vehicle running smoothly in wintry conditions.
What is a radiator flush?
Your owner’s manual should recommend a full flush of your radiator at certain intervals. This cleans out the coolant to run a special cleaner through the system that washes away corrosive contaminants. A new mixture of water and antifreeze is added back in to help keep your engine from seizing up or overheating while also fighting corrosion.
Wintertime demands better braking
There’s no season that puts brakes to the test like winter. Road salt can build up on braking systems causing uneven wear. Extra moisture from ice and snow can seep into brake fluid and affect overall performance. A free brake inspection from a Belle Tire technician is an easy way to make sure your pads, calipers and rotors are ready to take on any adverse conditions.
Proper alignment is the way to go
Having all four tires pointed in the same direction is a must for safe winter driving. Improperly aligned wheels can cause drifting and vibrations that make hazardous conditions even more dangerous. Your local Belle Tire can check your alignment for free and help diagnose any issues.
Can your wipers take on winter?
Having clear visibility in winter conditions is crucial. Check your wiper blades by simply running your finger along the blade, feeling for any nicks, bumps or tears. These defects are what cause streaking when using your wipers.
Tips & hacks for frigid temps
These nuggets of wisdom will help you brave colder conditions this winter.
The purrfect traction trickA couple of 20lb. bags of cat litter in your trunk can weigh your car down to give it some extra traction in treacherous conditions. Plus, if you’re stuck on a slick surface, sprinkling a bit under the tires can give them something to grab on to.
A scraper in a pinchGot an icy windshield but no scraper handy? The answer is hiding in your wallet. Grab a credit card or other thick plastic card to help dislodge the frozen menace on your glass.
A glove box for socksThrow a pair of thick socks in the glove compartment. If you ever need to walk over a slick surface or push your car over some ice, slip them over your shoes for some extra traction and safety.
Cold weather driving tipsCold weather driving tips
Winter months bring with them a whole host of unique driving challenges that demand the most of vehicles as well as drivers. Knowing how to navigate more treacherous conditions can help you arrive safely at your destination.
1. Slow and steady braking - To maintain traction, avoid rapid or sudden stops if at all possible.
2. Slower speeds overall - Driving at lower speeds allow you to have more time to respond to any hazards and help you make more controlled starts and stops.
3. Extra caution on sloped surfaces - If possible, avoid stopping on hills. Winter weather makes maintaining control on steeper grades much more difficult. Remember, slow and steady wins the race (but obviously, no racing either).
4. Minimize distractions - Staying focused on your driving is the best way to help your car stay on the road. Being aware of your surroundings, changing conditions and other drivers are simple ways to avoid mishaps.
5. Know when to stay home - If you’re at all worried about changing road conditions and it’s not an emergency, the safest route may be to just wait it out.
Your covered with us!
Industry-Leading Tire Protection PlanTireman is ready to repair or replace your tire if it fails due to faulty workmanship or materials, or a non-repairable road hazard. This plan is good until the tire has 3/32 inch tread depth remaining, or 3 years from the date you bought it, whichever comes first. Just pay for it when you purchase the tire.
Tire Installation PackageOur experts don’t just install your tires, we send you on your way with access to more free lifetime services than any of the so-called competition. Free lifetime alignment checks, tire rotations, spin balancing, flat repairs and more will help you get the maximum mileage out of your tires.
Your new tires are waiting!
Your new tires are waiting!
We can help you find the right tires in just a few steps. After that, we'll give you more free services to help you get the most out of them.
We can help you find the right tires in just a few steps.
