In The Shop
Winter weather is on the way and at Murphy's Autocare we believe preparation is the best prevention.
Cold temperatures take a toll on your vehicle’s wear and tear, so investing a little time and money now, can prevent big problems down the road and knowing your vehicle is being properly maintained will give you peace of mind.
Take a few steps to prepare your car, truck or RV for the harsh winter weather in the coming months.
- Have your battery system checked.
Winter weather can be hard on your vehicle’s battery. Contact us and we can check your battery and ensure it’s performing at its best.
- Check your antifreeze.
Clean, flush and add new antifreeze. This is to prevent the water in your radiator from freezing. When the water freezes, it cannot cool your engine. Not maintaining an adequate level of antifreeze could case your vehicle to overheat
- Ensure your heater and defroster is working properly.
One thing you definitely need to be able to do is see out of your windshield. Ensure your defroster is working for both your front and back windshields. Never try to leave your driveway until you have full visibility.
- Check your tires.
This includes wear and tear and tire pressure. Have your tires rotated to ensure even wear. You’ll want to ensure you have good traction should you need to travel through snowy road conditions. Consider snow tires that allow for better traction and are equipped for extreme winter weather. If you think this may be an option for you, contact us for more information.
- Check your lights.
In hazardous winter weather, you’ll need your lights on for safe driving. Ensure your car lights, both front and back are operating properly. This will allow other drivers to safely see you.
- Replace windshield wiper blades.
Wiper blades should be replaced approximately every six months. You'll want to ensure the best visibility possible in rain or snow. Your best choice is to select winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid. Don’t wait until your windshield wiper blades are falling off to replace them.
- Stay up to date on oil changes.
Oil changes are crucial to the performance of your vehicle. Low oil or bad oil can lead to a variety of problems. Ensure you follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and have regular oil changes performed.
- Check your brakes.
If your vehicle is in need of new brakes, don’t put it off. In snowy and icy weather you need brakes you depend on!
- Schedule a tune-up.
Did you know winter weather can magnify existing problems? If you’re due for a tune-up, schedule an appointment before winter weather sets in.
- Check your exhaust system.
You’ll want to ensure you don’t have any carbon monoxide leaks. These can be dangerous in the winter when most driving is done with the windows up. As a reminder, never start your vehicle and leave it running in a closed garage. This is extremely dangerous. Back your vehicle out of the garage and then allow it to warm up.
- Stock an emergency kit (just in case!)
You know the old saying…better to be safe than sorry! Putting together an emergency kit is simple and you can toss it in your trunk for safe keeping. Be sure to include an ice scraper, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blanket, bottled water and snacks.
Winter weather can be hard on your vehicle’s battery. Contact us and we can check your battery and ensure it’s performing at its best.
Clean, flush and add new antifreeze. This is to prevent the water in your radiator from freezing. When the water freezes, it cannot cool your engine. Not maintaining an adequate level of antifreeze could case your vehicle to overheat
One thing you definitely need to be able to do is see out of your windshield. Ensure your defroster is working for both your front and back windshields. Never try to leave your driveway until you have full visibility.
This includes wear and tear and tire pressure. Have your tires rotated to ensure even wear. You’ll want to ensure you have good traction should you need to travel through snowy road conditions. Consider snow tires that allow for better traction and are equipped for extreme winter weather. If you think this may be an option for you, contact us for more information.
In hazardous winter weather, you’ll need your lights on for safe driving. Ensure your car lights, both front and back are operating properly. This will allow other drivers to safely see you.
Wiper blades should be replaced approximately every six months. You'll want to ensure the best visibility possible in rain or snow. Your best choice is to select winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid. Don’t wait until your windshield wiper blades are falling off to replace them.
Oil changes are crucial to the performance of your vehicle. Low oil or bad oil can lead to a variety of problems. Ensure you follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and have regular oil changes performed.
If your vehicle is in need of new brakes, don’t put it off. In snowy and icy weather you need brakes you depend on!
Did you know winter weather can magnify existing problems? If you’re due for a tune-up, schedule an appointment before winter weather sets in.
You’ll want to ensure you don’t have any carbon monoxide leaks. These can be dangerous in the winter when most driving is done with the windows up. As a reminder, never start your vehicle and leave it running in a closed garage. This is extremely dangerous. Back your vehicle out of the garage and then allow it to warm up.
You know the old saying…better to be safe than sorry! Putting together an emergency kit is simple and you can toss it in your trunk for safe keeping. Be sure to include an ice scraper, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blanket, bottled water and snacks.
A couple of other important tips to note! Ensure you always keep at least a half of a tank of gas and always thoroughly clear off all snow and ice before hitting the road. Not only is it hazardous to you, it’s dangerous for those around you. We’ve all been there, driving and snow slams into our windshield from another vehicle scaring us and affecting our visibility.
To schedule an appointment – give us a call (937) 426-2886 or fill out our form
