Winter is no joke when it comes to harsh road conditions and wear on your vehicle's mechanical parts. By being proactive and staying on top of maintenance, you can prevent a lot of problems and potential dangers during the cold weather months. Our team at Bobby Rahal Acura put together a list of 7 ways you should prepare your Acura for the winter season.
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1. Inspect Your Tires
     ÂMake sure your tires are properly inflated and the tread isn't worn down. That way, you'll have the max amount of traction on the road - which is important in the slippery conditions of winter. You may also choose to replace your all-season tires with winter tires, but that depends on your personal needs and the conditions you expect to be driving in.
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2. Check Your Battery
     ÂTo avoid a jump-start in the middle of a snowstorm, we suggest getting your battery's posts and connections checked and cleaned by one of our service professionals at Bobby Rahal Acura. They will ensure your battery is in good shape and test its ability to hold a charge so that you avoid the consequences of having a weak battery in freezing weather.
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3. Replace Your Wiper Blades
     ÂMake sure your windshield wiper blades are rubber-clad and in good condition for clearing snow and ice from your view of the road. We also suggest carrying an ice scraper and stocking up on freeze-resistant windshield washer fluid.
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4. Make Sure Your Heater & Defroster Work Well
     ÂBeing able to defrost your windshield and stay warm inside your Acura is crucial, for both comfort and safety, on icy days. So, make sure your HVAC system is in good condition!
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5. Refill or Replace Fluids
     ÂIn addition to freeze-resistant wiper fluid, make sure your oil and oil filter is changed along with engine coolant, or antifreeze, so that your engine stays running smoothly and at a steady temperature. The cold weather can do a number on your Acura's internal parts, so keeping them well greased and cared for will prevent extra wear or problems caused by extreme temperatures.
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6. Examine Your Belts and Hoses
     ÂWhenever you come in for a winter service, have them check the wear and tear on your vehicle's belts and hoses because cold weather can wreak havoc on those vital parts.
   Â7. Pack an Emergency Kit
     ÂMost importantly, make sure your vehicle is stocked with these supplies so that you're prepared for an emergency situation, especially on a long road trip:
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- Blanket        Â
- Jumper cables        Â
- Flashlight and extra batteries        Â
- First-Aid Kit        Â
- Tool Kit        Â
- Flares      Â
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- Energy Bars or snacks        Â
- Water Bottles        Â
- Extra Gloves and Boots        Â
- Small Shovel        Â
- Sand or Kitty Litter to help give traction if you're stuck      Â
And that's it! Following these 7 steps will ensure your Acura survives the winter, and you stay safe on the roads.
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Contact us at Bobby Rahal Acura to schedule a winter service today!