Next to a home, your vehicle is one of the largest investments you can make. While it is always recommended that you take your vehicle to your
local Tewksbury Auto for routine maintenance, there are a few things you can do on your own to prolong the life of your vehicle. One
simple thing you can do is to kick some bad habits you might be employing.
Here are a few things from your local Tewksbury Auto Repair to make your car run better for longer:
| Battery: |  |
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| Battery: | |
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Avoid getting stranded in the parking lot when it’s below freezing by recharging or replacing weak batteries. A battery load test
performed by an ASE-Certified mechanic can help you determine a battery’s strength.
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| Tires: | |
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| Tires: | |
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Check for proper inflation and the condition of the tires. Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to decrease. Don’t know
if you need to replace your tires? Look for “wear bars” that periodically run across the hollow of each tread. If the tread has
been worn down to the same height as the wear bar, it’s time for new tires!
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| Engine Oil: | |
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| Engine Oil: | |
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Your vehicle may require a different oil weight for cold weather operation. Check oil levels and change them at the interval
recommended in your owner’s manual.
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| Lights: | |
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| Lights: | |
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When snow is blowing during the day or night, it’s important all of your lights are working so other drivers are aware of your
distance and driving direction and can avoid driving too close to you. Check for interior and exterior burned-out bulbs,
malfunctioning switches, misdirected beams and clean lenses.
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| Fluids, Defroster and Windshield Wiper Blades: | |
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| Fluids, Defroster and Windshield Wiper Blades: | |
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Make sure your windshield wipers are effectively wiping your front and back windows. Remember to also stock up on no-freeze
washer fluid because you don’t want to wait until you and the local stores are out or low on supply!
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| Heating and Cooling System: | |
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| Heating and Cooling System: | |
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Test your heater and defroster so you know your vehicle can properly warm up inside and defrost any ice that develops on
your windows. Check radiator hoses for leaks, bulges and cracks. Add antifreeze mixture if low and replenish if the liquid
is discolored. Have your coolant checked with a hydrometer to be sure there is adequate cold weather protection, typically
a 50/50 mix of coolant and water.
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| Emergency Survival Kit(s): | |
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| Emergency Survival Kit(s): | |
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Include an ice scraper with snow brush, flashlight with extra batteries, cell phone with a car charger, extra set of
warm clothes including gloves and boots, first aid kit, tire chains, blanket, jumper cables, non-clumping kitty litter
for traction, flares or reflective triangles, a gallon jug of water, non-perishable food items, window washer solvent
and shovel.
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