Winter weather is just around the corner here in Michigan. That means now is the time to make sure your vehicle is maintained and ready to handle snow, ice, slush, salt, and frigid temperatures. Two of the most important things you can do to prepare your car or truck for winter are to install a set of winter tires and have seasonal maintenance performed. Here's what you need to know.
The Importance of Winter Tires
If you live in Waterford, you know how snowy and icy the roads can get during the winter months. Driving on all-season tires is often not enough to maintain traction, handling, and control in winter conditions. That's where winter tires come in.
Winter tires (also known as snow tires) are specifically designed to provide excellent performance in low temperatures, snow, and ice. The tread rubber of winter tires remains more flexible in the cold compared to all-season and summer tires, allowing them to grip the road better. Winter tires also feature deeper tread depths and unique tread patterns to channel snow and slush and bite into ice.
For drivers in Troy, making sure your vehicle has winter tires can provide a number of important benefits. Winter tires can significantly reduce braking distances on cold, snowy, or icy roads, which can be the difference between avoiding an accident and being in one. They also improve traction and acceleration to get you going in winter weather and improve handling and cornering in the snow. If you want confidence, control, and safety behind the wheel this winter, winter tires are the way to go.
Winter Vehicle Service Checklist
In addition to installing winter tires, it's a smart idea to have seasonal maintenance performed on your vehicle before the chill of winter sets in. This will make sure all your vehicle's key systems are in proper working order and can handle the demands of winter driving. Here are some of the main items that should be inspected and serviced for winter:
- Check tire pressure and tread depth on all tires
- Check all fluid levels and top off as needed, including engine oil, coolant, and wiper fluid
- Have the battery tested to make sure it can hold a proper charge in the cold
- Install winter wiper blades and make sure all exterior lights are working
- Inspect belts and hoses for any signs of wear and tear or cracks
- Have the heating and defrosting system checked for proper operation
Getting your vehicle winterized with proper service is especially important if you do a lot of driving in harsh conditions around Warren, MI, during the snowy months. Low fluids, worn tires, a weak battery, or other issues can leave you stranded in the cold. But a little preventative maintenance goes a long way.
When it comes to winter tires and service, the team at our service center is here to assist you. Our experienced technicians can help you find the right set of winter tires for your specific make and model. We'll get them mounted and balanced so you're ready to roll. We can also perform a full winter service checkup to make sure your vehicle is in top shape for the season.
If you live or work in the Sterling Heights area, now is the time to schedule an appointment at Fox Toyota for winter tires and maintenance. Taking action now will provide you with peace of mind in the months ahead. Contact us today to get your vehicle ready for winter!
Trust Fox Toyota for All Your Winter Driving Needs
Don't let winter sneak up on you this year - be proactive about making sure your vehicle is prepared to handle snow, ice, salt, and freezing temperatures. Stop by Fox Toyota in Rochester Hills, MI, to get ready with winter tires and seasonal service. We look forward to serving you!
