- Store an emergency kit in your car that includes a first-aid kit, flashlight, batteries, jumper cables, food, water, flares, warm clothing, blankets, tools, and any other items that may help if your vehicle breaks down or you are at risk of being stranded.
- Check your engine coolant to ensure it is able to withstand the coldest sustained temperature in your region. Consider scheduling a cooling system flush to keep the vehicle in top condition.
- Inspect the windshield washer system. Make sure wiper blades are working and regular washer fluid has been replaced with winter washer fluid, which has antifreeze properties. Replace old wiper blades before winter and keep an ice scraper in your vehicle.
- Perform routine maintenance including regular oil and filter changes. Extreme cold weather, below -25°F, may require a different blend of motor oil for your vehicle.
- Consider winter tires if your vehicle will be driven in a region with three or more months of snow annually. The tread on winter tires provides enhanced traction. All-season or summer tires lose effectiveness below 45°F.
- Test your battery. A weak battery may have difficulty starting because reserve energy levels drop when temperatures plummet. At 0°F, a car battery can lose about 60 percent of its strength, and at 32°F the battery can lose 35 percent of its strength.
Results from a Car Care Council vehicle inspection show that 84 percent of vehicles on the road are in need of at least one service or part replacement, with low or dirty fluids, dirty air filters and "check engine" lights cited as top concerns. Routine maintenance is important for all seasons, but is especially critical in winter months.
About YourMechanic
YourMechanic is the industry leader in providing a platform for mobile car repair, offering more than 600 repair, maintenance, and diagnostic services. YourMechanic is available in the top 50 largest U.S. metropolitan areas and more, with new cities added regularly. YourMechanic connects mobile mechanics to customers who are seeking affordable, convenient, and honest car repair, maintenance, and diagnostic services at their home or office, 7 days a week. Mobile mechanics enjoy flexible hours and higher pay than a shop or dealership.
Founded in 2012, YourMechanic secured $24 million in series B funding in March 2016, bringing the total funds raised to $32 million. YourMechanic won TechCrunch SF Disrupt in 2012 and holds an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau.
YourMechanic is funded by SoftBank Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Y Combinator, Ashton Kutcher, and others. Headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., YourMechanic has 90+ employees and contracts with hundreds of mechanics. For more information on YourMechanic, to book a service, or to apply to join the team, visit www.yourmechanic.com.
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SOURCE YourMechanic
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http://www.yourmechanic.com
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