Winter Maintenance

Winter Maintenance at Stanley Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Gilmer

Changes in weather can have a big impact on your vehicle. Going from warm to cold may prove difficult for the engine and other components. It’s also a bad time to be stuck on the side of the road with a vehicle that won’t run. For drivers who live around Gilmer, Longview, and Tyler, they can have their vehicle serviced for winter at Stanley Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Gilmer.

Winter Service

Make an appointment to have your vehicle winterized at Stanley CDJR Gilmer. Our service technicians will test the battery and see if it has enough life left to start your engine in cold weather. They will also test your coolant to make sure it’s the correct mix of antifreeze and water to handle the colder temperatures.
When you bring your vehicle in, the service team will inspect belts and hoses, spark plugs, and wires to make sure they aren’t worn too much. While the change in temperature may not have a direct impact on some of these components, you don’t want to be stranded with a problem that could have been detected earlier.

Check Your Tires

Think about what kind of tires you have on your vehicle. If they are summer tires, it’s time to replace them will all-season tires. If you plan to travel where there’s a lot of snow, you may even want to invest in a set of winter tires.
Look at the tread and see if it’s time for a new set of tires. Worn tires are even more dangerous on wet or iced roads. Our parts department can help you find the right tire that fits your budget.

Test Tire Pressure

You should check your tire pressure at least once a month, but it’s even more important when the temperature changes. With a drop in temperatures, your tires can lose air pressure. This puts you at risk for a flat tire.
Check your owner’s manual to find out how much air should be in your tires. You can also look along the driver’s side door for a placard with that information.

Check Windshield Wipers

Your windshield wipers become essential during winter months when there’s more precipitation. Check the blades to make sure the rubber is flexible and in one piece. If there are any cuts or gauges in the rubber or if it feels brittle, it’s time to replace the blades.
You also want to take a look at the washer fluid. You may want to add a washer antifreeze fluid to prevent it from freezing in the cold months.

Always Be Prepared

Sometimes you just can’t prevent the unexpected with your vehicle. But you can be prepared with an emergency kit if you are stranded on the side of the road. Here are some items to include in your kit:

• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Matches
• Flares
• Ice scraper
• Car tool kit
• Jumper cables
• Bag of sand and a shovel
• Antifreeze
• Blanket
• Extra clothing, such as gloves and a hat
• Non-perishable food
• First aid kit