Brrr… It’s Cold Out There! Is Your Vehicle Winterized?

\n\nThe recent cold snap – including a chilly 35 degrees in Los Angeles – is a good reminder to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving conditions.\n\nDuring a recent television appearance, “The Car Coach” Lauren Fix shared valuable tips to help ensure you don’t find yourself stranded on the side of the road this winter.\n\nNoting that 9 out of 10 vehicles on the road have something wrong with them, Fix emphasized the importance of proactively maintaining your vehicle. She specifically recommends checking your vehicle’s:\n

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• Battery. It’s a good idea to carry jumper cables, but it makes a lot more sense to check the condition of your battery and replace it if needed.

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• Coolant. Over time, coolant breaks down and loses its ability to protect your engine against freezing and overheating.

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• Headlights. About 80% of driving decisions are based on visibility. So, make sure both headlights are operational and providing sufficient light. If a headlight is burned out, replace it.

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• Oil. Use the proper oil for your vehicle and follow the oil change schedule recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.

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• Wiper Blades. Wiper blades wear out, so Fix recommends changing them every six months and, if you live in a cold climate, using winter blades this time of year.

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• Tires. Check the condition and pressure of your tires. Improperly inflated tires are unsafe and can reduce fuel economy.

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\nYou can do all of this yourself, or you can visit your local Oil Can Henry’s, relax in the comfort of your vehicle and enjoy a complimentary newspaper as our trained technicians take care of it for you.\n\nMost Oil Can Henry’s centers now provide a free battery test as part of our service. Need a new battery? We proudly sell and install Interstate Batteries.\n\nOil Can Henry’s will also test the condition of your coolant to ensure it’s adequately protecting your engine. If it’s time for new coolant, ask about our Cooling System Flush, which replaces 100% of the old coolant. In comparison, a radiator drain and fill replaces just a fraction of the old coolant.\n\nIf your headlights look hazy, yellowed or faded, consider Headlight Restoration, which can greatly increase headlight output and visibility and improve the appearance of the vehicle.\n\nIt’s also advisable to make sure you’re prepared for winter driving, which often requires navigating snowy and icy roads. We wholeheartedly recommend that you visit the AAA website, a great source for automotive knowledge, to check out the tips for driving in the snow and download “How to Go on Ice and Snow”, an informative guide that helps drivers become safer and more efficient in adverse weather conditions.\n\n