Stay Safe and Winterize

Winter brings wind, snow, and ice, making roads less than optimal for driving. Winterizing your vehicle is a way to prevent weather-related emergencies, keeping you and other drivers safe.

Siemans Mazda is here to help the greater Bridgman area get into the vehicle they need. As the cold weather approaches, now is the time to upgrade to a more durable vehicle. If you are happy with what you are currently driving, then our service team can help you winterize it.

Why It Is Important to Winterize

During the winter, cold conditions make it harder for vehicles to function properly. Winterizing is a process to optimize your vehicle during the winter.

Although many people choose not to winterize and can make it through the season without mishap, opting to winterize gives peace of mind and reduces the risk of something going wrong. 

Common issues that can be prevented are:

• Lose of tire traction on the road
• Breakdowns due to engine problems
• Accidents caused by visual impairment
• Reducing the severity of being stranded

Luckily, winterizing is not as complicated as it used to be. Modern cars have better technology that allows them to handle less-than-optimal conditions. This means a few simple steps can set you up for a safe and wonderful winter of driving.

How to Winterize

Different types of vehicles need slightly different winterization steps since not all vehicles are designed the same. A sport utility vehicle (SUV) is constructed to handle driving on different terrains, including snow, and has more power to handle hills. A compact sedan does great on bare pavement, but can struggle on ice and snow.

Regardless of the type of vehicle, the most basic to-do for winterization is to have the vehicle serviced. During the summer, breaking down on the side of the road is annoying but not life-threatening. During a blizzard, being stranded is much more serious.

Take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic. Let them know you want to have it serviced to prepare it for winter. The mechanic should inspect, make repairs, and top off:

• Antifreeze and Other Fluids
• Battery
• Belts and Hoses
• Brakes
• Cooling System
• Spark Plugs and Other Small Parts
• Tires

It is a good idea to fix anything during servicing to prevent a bigger problem from happening later. You can also ask your mechanic about suggestions they have for your specific make and model. They may know some tips and tricks to make winter driving easier.

If you are unsure what type of tires your vehicle has, ask your mechanic. There are many different types of tires on the market, and not all of them are designed to handle snow and ice.

Depending on which tires your vehicle is equipped with, it may be beneficial to switch to a winter tire. Winter tires are specifically designed to give the best traction in temperatures at and below 45 degrees.

Winter tires come with or without studs. The metal studs grip the ice to provide the best traction. Studded tires should only be used on ice-covered roads, because they can cause damage to bare roads. A non-studded winter tire is ideal if you drive both on cleared and icy roads.

If you do not plan on traveling on heavily iced roads, then an all-weather or all-season tire can suffice. Just know that while they can handle lower temperatures, they cannot provide the same traction a winter tire can.

Besides traction, visibility is a crucial part of winter driving. To ensure the best visibility possible, consider switching out your wiper blades for winter blades.

Like winter tires, these blades are built specifically for the cold. Winter blades reduce ice build-up and, when combined with winter washer fluid, can keep your windshield clear.

Winterize Your Driving Habits

Preparing your vehicle for winter is only one part of winterizing. The rest is about you. During the summer, our driving habits become more relaxed; winter is the time to refocus. While driving, be sure to keep distractions to a minimum.

Think about refreshing yourself and any other drivers in your household on the best practices for winter driving. Making sure everyone knows how to deal with slipping and sliding can prevent accidents.

Having to stop for gas can be inconvenient, but during the winter it’s a good idea to consider filling up more often. Running out of gas in a whiteout is a preventable emergency. Start looking for a gas station when your tank is still half full.

Whether you keep an emergency kit in your car year-round or not, winter is the time to refresh or create one. You can buy a pre-assembled kit, but the best option is to make your own so you know what exactly is in it. There are many online resources to help you decide what to keep in your kit.

Schedule Your Service

At Siemans Mazda, our service team is full of Mazda experts. We can help you understand just what your car needs to keep you safe throughout the long winter. Go online or give us a call today to set up your service appointment.