How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter
Winter is fast approaching and we here at Fraser Chrysler want to ensure that our customers are prepared for the ever-changing conditions on the roads in and around Durham Region and the GTA. Continue reading below as we’ve compiled a few tips and things to keep in mind when preparing your vehicle for the winter season. Fraser Chrysler is your go-to store for all things Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Ram related. Bring in your Stellantis (formerly FCA), or off-make, vehicle to our service department where our highly trained technicians would be more than happy to assist you in your winter driving preparations.
Consider Installing Winter Tires
Most vehicles are sold with all-season tires. Although the name may give off the impression that all-season tires can be used year-round, you might want to consider putting on a set of winter tires when it gets cold. All-season tires are designed for peak performance during warmer weather conditions. The rubber compounds used to manufacture all-season tires, as well as the tread patterns found on these tires, are engineered for optimal grip and traction when the tires are soft during warmer weather. Once temperatures begin to dip below the 7 degree Celsuis mark, all-season tires tend to firm up and lose their ability to grip on snow-covered roads.
To ensure the safety of you and your passengers, swapping your vehicle’s all-season tires with winter tires is always a good idea. Winter tires are designed to stay soft and maintain traction in colder temperatures. The rubber compounds and tread patterns used on winter tires are engineered to withstand negative temperatures and ensure optimal grip on snow and ice-covered roads. Look for a “M+S” symbol beside a three-peak mountain snowflake logo (3PMSF) to ensure that the tires you’re installing on your vehicle are authentic winter tires. If you need further assistance in finding the right winter tire for your vehicle, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our knowledgeable parts advisors who would be more than happy to help.
Book a Winter Maintenance Vitals Check-Up
Preventative maintenance is the key to ensuring the longevity of your vehicle. Our service department here at Fraser Chrysler is ready to help you do just that. Book a service appointment and one of our highly-skilled technicians will perform a routine maintenance check to ensure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape for the winter season. An inspection of your vehicle’s battery, brakes, belts, hoses, lights & fuses, cooling & heating systems, as well as electrical & exhaust systems will be conducted to make sure your vehicle is ready to brave the winter road conditions.
Switch Over to Winter Windshield Wiper Blades
Something that most drivers pay little attention to is their vehicle’s windshield wiper blades. Although this simple plastic and rubber part may be little more than an afterthought for most people, your vehicle’s wiper blades play an essential role in ensuring the comfort and safety of your vehicle. Windshield wiper blades allow for drivers to maintain a clear and unobstructed view of the road ahead, and in some vehicles, the road behind as well.
Conventional wiper blades work great when clearing rain water off of your windshield. When it comes to snow and ice, however, winter wiper blades are designed to resist the wear and tear caused by any ice or hard packed snow on your windshield.
Top Up Your Washer Fluid Reservoir
Working in tandem with your vehicle’s windshield wiper blades, using the correct windshield washer fluid is essential for winter driving. Wiper blades themselves do little to clear snow, ice or salt debris from your vehicle’s windshield. Avoid using water or conventional washer fluid during winter months as you risk such liquids freezing on your windshield and obstructing your field of view. Winter temperature rated windshield wiper fluid is ideal in ensuring that ice and snow are melted and that little to no streaks are left on your windshield. It’s also always a good idea to carry an extra jug of windshield washer fluid in your vehicle, you never know when it will come in handy.
Even with all of the tips and tricks we’ve shared with you today, the key to safe winter driving is to maintain a heightened level of caution during inclement weather, ensure ample distance between you and the other vehicles around you, and if road conditions are particularly bad, err on the side of safety and stay home, if at all possible.
Located at 799 Bloor Street West in Oshawa, Ontario, Fraser Chrysler is your one-stop shop for all things Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram related. Whether you’re interested in buying a new set of winter tires, booking a routine service appointment or purchasing a new or pre-owned vehicle, our knowledgeable staff are more than happy to assist you. Fraser Chrysler gladly serves our valued customers in the Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax and surrounding areas. Have any further questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us.