Photo by Filip Mroz on Unsplash
Welcome to 2022! We are now deep into winter, and although Mission Viejo doesn’t see snow, there’s plenty to be had to the North and the Northeast. The Rockies are full of thick powder this time of year, and if you’re going to vacation in it, you should do your best to anticipate the worst to come.
If you haven’t done any ‘winterizing’ of your vehicle this year, don’t worry! It’s not too late. We don’t even offer a formal service for it here, as there’s very little to do except pass on some good advice. But if you find yourself needing to travel North soon, and need a hand with winterizing your car, this blog is here to help you out. Here’s how to prepare for winter, even late in the game!
Top up your fluids. Your vehicle needs to have the right amount of Antifreeze, brake fluid, oil, and transmission fluid in your car. And it wouldn’t hurt to make sure there’s some non-freezing windshield wiper fluid in there too, especially the kind that helps melt ice after a freeze.
Check your tires. You might need better tires for driving in snow, or even chains, but just to drive where it’s icy, make certain you have enough tread on your tires. Look for uneven wear and make sure the psi (Pressure per Square Inch) is topped up (see inside the driver’s door).
Make sure the AC is working. It would not be wise to be on the road and not have usable heat because of a bad odor from the refrigerant element being out or off. Test your AC system and bring it to an auto repair technician if you have any doubts!
Make sure you have an updated emergency kit. That includes a signal flare, an emergency flashlight (preferably one you can charge your phone with), a blanket and some rations in case you have to wait out a snowstorm.
If you need service for your car, contact Larry’s Independent Service in Mission Viejo, CA. Our team of ASE-Certified auto technicians is here to get you back on the road. You can click on this embedded link to schedule an appointment, and don’t forget to Like us on Facebook for news and updates. We’re located at 25721 Taladro Circle Unit A, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, and we’re open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM.