January, February, and March are the coldest months in Kelowna with many nights falling below freezing. Your vehicle needs a bit of extra TLC during these cooler months and there are a few safety tips you should consider. Below are a few winter auto care tips to keep you and your family safe and sound.
Stop By Paragon Motors To Winterize Your Vehicle
Now is the perfect time to complete scheduled preventative maintenance such as oil changes and tune-ups. While you are in the shop we will also discuss any additional winterizing that will help improve performance and safety. This might include:
- Ensuring you have the right tires and that your tires and tread are in good condition.
- Upgrading to a winter weight or synthetic oil for the winter season.
- Changing to a winter windshield washing fluid.
- Ensuring your defrosting and heating are working properly.
- Checking to make sure your brakes are good.
- Checking lights and windshield wipers.
- Doing a full diagnostic and inspection to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy.
Driver Safety Tips
With each season comes the need to adjust your driving habits accordingly. Below are a few winter safety tips to keep in mind:
- Remember that the speed limit is a guideline, but it if is snowy and icy out drive at a speed that you are comfortable with. If needed, simply let people pass.
- Give yourself more of a cushion when driving to and from your scheduled activities, because ice and snow can slow down traffic.
- Consider investing in a remote car starter to warm up your car. That way you can warm up your car for at least 5 minutes before hitting the road.
- Never allow your gas to go below half a tank. This will decrease the chance of moisture in your gas lines, and provide you with heat if you become stranded somewhere and need to wait for help.
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly when driving in rain, ice, or snow, and at least double your stopping time.
- Drive with a larger cushion between you and the vehicle in front of you, especially when in the rain, ice, and snow—and particularly when driving on the freeway.
- Keep winter emergency kit in your trunk including a minimum of an ice scraper, small shovel, whisk broom, flashlight, deicer, first aid kit, blanket, bottled water, snacks, comfortable shoes, and essential daily medications.
These winter auto care and driver safety tips will help keep you and your family safe this winter. Call us at Paragon Motors today to help ensure your vehicle is winter safe.
