{"id":31152,"date":"2019-11-19T20:00:50","date_gmt":"2019-11-20T01:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.dodgegarage.com\/news-api\/?p=31152"},"modified":"2024-03-25T11:23:54","modified_gmt":"2024-03-25T15:23:54","slug":"pre-winter-vehicle-care-a-z","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/how-to\/2019\/11\/pre-winter-vehicle-care-a-z.html","title":{"rendered":"Pre-Winter Vehicle Care A-Z"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Preparation\nCan Bring Peace of Mind<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get\nready for winter and a hectic holiday season by getting your vehicle prepared.\nProper vehicle maintenance will go a long way toward handling the snow, sleet,\nice and slush that\u2019s sure to come. So, as winter approaches, take a few minutes\nto check your vehicle from A to Z. And make sure you\u2019re geared up for those\nextra hassles the season may throw your way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 AIR FILTER<\/strong> | Check\nthe engine air filter. If it\u2019s dirty, replace it. This\nis how your engine breathes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 BATTERY AND CHARGING SYSTEM<\/strong> | Have a trained technician run this test to determine if your\nbattery is fully charged, able to start a cold engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"vehicle<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 BRAKES<\/strong> |\nApplying the brakes should be a noise-free, shudder-free experience that slows\nyour vehicle<\/a> smoothly and quickly. If you hear or feel anything out of the\nordinary, have your brakes checked by a trained technician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 BATTERY CABLES AND TERMINALS<\/strong> | The large wires attached to the two poles of your battery are very important. They should be tightly connected and free from corrosion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 DRIVE BELTS<\/strong> | With\nthe engine off, look at the accessory drive belts. If they\u2019re\ncracked or frayed, they may need to be replaced. In any case, follow your\nvehicle\u2019s recommended replacement schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 ENGINE HOSES<\/strong> | Cooling\nsystem hoses that connect the engine to the radiator or other parts should be\nchecked for cracking or leaking. Make sure all connections are tight. Brittle\nor too soft hoses likely need to be replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"vehicle<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 FLUIDS (COOLANT, WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID, BRAKE, OIL,\nTRANSMISSION AND<\/strong><\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>FUEL)<\/strong> | Make\nsure all fluids are filled to appropriate levels, changed according to the\nmanufacturer\u2019s recommended schedule, and the right color and consistency.\nThis goes for your vehicle fuel, too. In winter, make it a habit to fill up\nwhen your tank reaches half full.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 GLASS<\/strong> | The\nwindshield should be free of chips and easy to see through when clean. Chipped\nglass will further spread and crack over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 HEATER<\/strong> | Turn\non the heat, try different modes and fan speeds and check the vents. Hot air\nshould be flowing freely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"jumper<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 IGNITION<\/strong> |\nStarting a vehicle should be a one-press or one-turn event, resulting in the\nengine coming <\/a>to life. Every time.\nAnything less than this deserves a review by a trained technician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 JUMPER CABLES<\/strong> | If you\ndon\u2019t need a jump start, someone else likely will. Follow safe\nprocedures for jump-starting a vehicle, including attaching the cables\ncorrectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 KEYLESS ENTRY<\/strong> | If\nunlocking your vehicle with a key fob seems only to be occurring over a shorter\ndistance or if it requires a more forceful button push, it might be time for\nnew batteries for the key fob.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 LIGHTS<\/strong> | Have\na friend help you safely check every headlight, taillight, brake light, turn\nsignal, emergency flasher and back-up light. Replace any non-working bulbs or\nhave a trained technician perform this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 MILEAGE\/ODOMETER<\/strong> | Check\nyour vehicle\u2019s mileage and compare it against the manufacturer\u2019s scheduled\nservice plan. If it\u2019s close to a recommended service, get it done now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 TIRE PRESSURE<\/strong> | Check the tire pressure on every tire, including the spare (the proper pressure level amounts will be in your owner\u2019s manual or on a sticker inside the driver\u2019s door on the jamb). Not only will you ensure your spare is properly inflated when you need it, but you\u2019ll be prepared on how to access the spare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 SPARE WHEEL\/TIRE<\/strong> | Make\nsure it\u2019s there, properly mounted and inflated to the right pressure,\nand all the wheel-changing tools are in place, ready to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"vehicle<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 TIRES<\/strong> | Tires\nshould be properly inflated and in good condition (wearing evenly, no foreign\nobjects, <\/a>etc.). If there\u2019s less\nthan 3\/32\u201d of tread left, it needs to be replaced. Consider winter wheels and\ntires if you live in an area that experiences significant snowfall resulting in\nslippery roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 WIPER BLADES<\/strong> | When\nused in rain or with windshield wiper fluid, running the wipers should result\nin completely clear glass following each pass. Streaks or lines may indicate a\nworn blade; it should be replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 X AS IN 4X4<\/strong> | If a\nvehicle is so equipped. On the right surface, manually activate (if possible)\nyour four-wheel drive system. Or have a trained technician examine and test the\nsystem for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GEAR TO\nKEEP IN YOUR VEHICLE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"vehicle<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n