Are you taking care of your vehicle?

In case you didn't know we are in the middle of winter and I'm sure there has to be more snow, ice, slush, you name it on its way in the next couple of months. What have you done to take care of your vehicle since the winter came along? Well, if you're anything like me you need to be told what to do and when to do it when it comes to vehicle care.

I know its always raining or snowing but all the dirt and salt from the ground from the previous storm can be damaging to the paint on your car and the undercarriage. Make sure you clean your vehicle the same amount that you do in the other months. I know it seems pointless because it never seems to stay clean with how messy the roads can be but its important. When cleaning the car make sure you get all the hard to reach areas like the bumpers and wheel wells. That is where rust is most likely to form and that will cost you in the future.

Every once and a while check your heat and defrosters to make sure they are working to their best ability. When the vehicle is running if you turn your heat on it should become warm quickly.

Make sure you purchase dependable brand car batteries. A main reason why vehicles don't start is because people buy cheap or poor quality batteries and that's not going to get you very far. No one wants to deal with their vehicles not starting, especially in the wintertime.

Make sure your the oil and antifreeze are at the recommended levels. Many vehicles have a 50/50 antifreeze to water ratio but you may adjust your antifreeze level to a bit higher if your vehicle is enduring colder temperatures in the winter months ahead.

I went over some other things in a previous blog to prepare your vehicle for winter. That article plus these tips should keep your vehicle; sally, pearl, or whatever you call "her" in tip top shape!

Now onto one of the most important topics-safe driving in the winter! If you want safe tips for winter driving you should probably google them because I really don't change my driving much. I have a lot of places to be and let me tell you there is absolutely no time for Sunday driving.

Here's my advice, if its icy try to chill out a little and don't speed as much. Don't ride people too close. Oh that brings up another good point...regular maintenance is VERY important especially during winter months to make sure your breaks are on point. If it's snowing just stay home with a bottle of wine and cancel your plans so you don't have to deal with all the idiots on the road without AWD drive or 4WD vehicles. Like I said before, I'm probably not the girl to ask about this winter driving-I can just advice you how to keep the best care of your vehicle.

On a serious note if you do feel your vehicle seems different or not right do not hesitate to call your dealership and just double check with the technicians and service writers. It can never hurt to be cautious.

Safe travels everyone!!

Chrissy