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Sunny days and Hollywood-style perfect conditions are the norms in Mission Viejo, but as December creeps closer and closer, rainy winter conditions might be on the horizon. Now is the perfect time to examine the preparations we can make to keep our family safe on the road when dangerous conditions rear their ugly heads.
California drivers spend more than their share of time in perfect driving conditions, making the rougher conditions even more dangerous. Many new drivers face their first winters at the wheel each year, with no previous experience driving in rainy conditions. With winter weather rounding the corner, now is the time to educate our newer drivers and give ourselves a crash course on winter preparations for the traveler and their car.
Check Your Air Conditioning System - While our temperatures hover right around perfect at all times, for the majority of the year, temps can drop sharply during the winter months, and you don’t want to be stuck desperately rubbing your hands together to get yourself to work in the morning. Have your A/C system examined and get it ready for the frigid Fridays ahead.
Check Your Windshield Wiper Blades - One of the most overlooked features of ours vehicles in California are our windshield wiper blades. We spend so much of the year in perfect sunny weather; without a drop of rain in sight. However, when rain does make an appearance, it can surprise us. If you don’t have properly functioning windshield wiper blades, you can find yourself in a dangerous situation. Windshield wiper blades are relatively affordable and easy to install, and if you need help installing them, your certified auto repair center will be happy to help.
Check Your Tires - Wet weather produces a variety of dangerous road conditions that our tires will face. The hilly terrain in Southern California, combined with the dry & sunny summers, make for great flash-flood and mud-slide conditions. You might encounter muddy terrain when you least expect it or rainy and slippery roads; get your tires checked and ensure they are up to the task. While you are at it, check the pressure in your tires and adjust it to fit their needs.
Check Your Brakes - Now, more than ever, it’s essential to have your brakes operating at their best. Rain, dirt, mud, salt, and gravel can create difficult conditions for your brakes, causing damage to your rotors and pads. Find a certified auto repair center to examine your brakes and replace any parts if you need to. This is a step that you don’t want to skip; it’ll keep you and your family safe this winter.
So, enjoy the incredible Southern California weather while the sun is out, but be prepared to meet the rain when it creeps its head out to play. Our families come first, and preparing to meet these challenges will keep all of us safer on the road. Head to your certified auto repair center, and they can help you get your vehicle ready for winter.
If you need help getting your vehicle ready for winter weather, contact Larry’s Independent Service in Mission Viejo, CA. Our team of ASE-Certified auto technicians is here to help, and they would be happy to get your vehicle ready sorted out. 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.