Winter Tech Tips
New Alternative to Steel Studs: Metal studded snow tires used to be the only answer for sure-footed snow and ice traction. Unfortunately with the added traction, the studs produced excessive noise, odd handling characteristics, and damaging wear to our public roads. We recommend and use stud-less snow tires. Manufacturers have made several advances in tire technology, creating a non-studded snow tire that performs as well on snow and ice as a studded tire — without the drawbacks. This has been achieved with a sponge-like multi-cell compound and advanced tread patterns. These tires have phenomenal traction characteristics on snow and ice and we have had many customers mention how amazing it is to drive through extremely slippery conditions and still feel like the car is on dry pavement. In order to maintain the full benefits of ABS or traction control systems, it is important to install winter traction tires in sets of four. Please call us and we’ll be happy to discuss a snow tire solution for you. If you ski or are frequently in icy or snowy conditions you will not find a better traction system. Supplies are limited and it is best to order your tire package in the fall rather than wait till mid winter.
Slow Down with Cables and Chains: If weather requires you to install cables or chains, remember to follow the maximum speed recommendations from the manufacturer. This is usually 35mph or less. Driving faster than the recommended speed causes stress on the traction device, which will eventually break and come off, possibly damaging your car. Many of the cars we service are not designed to take chains and in fact the chains can cause expensive damage. Be sure to read your owners manual before you install chains.
Cold, Aging Rubber Causes Leakage, Poor Performance: Many of the seals, hoses and gaskets on your car wear over time. Cars these days, especially in our local, mild climate, can often last 15 or more years. Seals, gaskets and hoses may leak as the car ages, even though the car has many years of service remaining. Should you see fluid leakage under your car it is important that it be investigated as soon as possible. Running your car low on a vital fluid can sometimes cause damage more costly than replacing the worn seal or hose or gasket. We inspect all cars that we service for leaks and will let you know if there is a concern. An oil burning odor is another tell tale that all is not well.
Three Tips for Safer Winter Travel
1. Consider the number of miles on your tires.
If the edges of the tread on your tires are beginning to lose their definition, it may be time to consider a new set. The lifetime of your tire can vary from less than one year to five years depending on many factors: driving habits, the condition of the vehicle’s suspension and the type of tire. Come by for a quick check if you think your tread may be wearing low. New tires work substantially better in the rain and snow than old ones. All tires have a date code stamped in to the sidewall. Tires older than 6 years should be discarded to avoid catastrophic high speed sidewall failure.
2. Check how long it has been since you had an oil change.
If it’s been 3 months, or if you’ve driven up to 3,000 miles since your last oil change, it’s time to schedule an appointment. This is a good practice that will keep your car in top performance and can also increase the life of your engine. If you are using synthetic oil, which we recommend, you can actually go 5 months or 5000 miles.
3. Replace old wiper-blades.
Winter brings storms and heavy rains. Consider replacing your wiper blades if they are beginning to streak. It’s often surprising what a visibility difference a fresh set of inexpensive wiper blades can make. They tend to wear so gradually that it isn’t noticeable how worn they are until they are replaced. New wipers are also usually much quieter than worn ones. Stop by, or request a fresh set when your car is in for service. We install them free of charge.
Overall, be prepared for winter road conditions, especially if your travel plans include driving through mountainous areas or in Eastern Washington. Be sure to pack chains or cables, an ice scraper, a small shovel, a flashlight, booster cables, warning devices, a first-aid kit, water, food, warm clothing and a blanket. And, don’t forget snacks and entertainment if you’re traveling with kids. A good way to involve them with the route is to give them a map to follow along. Also, don’t forget to bring travel games and workbooks.
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