Many vehicle owners use the change of seasons to get their cars taken care of. This is a great plan, and as we leave the cooler fall season and head straight into winter, we at Clark Automotive in Blaine, MN want to share some of the more essential maintenance tips to keep your vehicle running at its best. Feel free to ask us to inspect your vehicle as well.
Having Your Battery Tested: Many auto parts stores perform this basic test for free, so it’s easy to have this service done. During the winter your battery is worked extra hard, not only to run, but to provide the “cold cranking amps” to start a cold engine. It’s not uncommon to see a car battery that seems to function fine but lacks the cold cranking amperage. This means that your battery is just barely strong enough to perform in the fall, but under pressure in the winter, the battery will likely fail. This is good to know now and have time to get a replacement before the onset of the colder months.
Check All Exterior Lights: Out of sight and out of mind. Well, in the event of heavy rain or snowfall, without lights, your car goes out of sight! It’s a good time to ensure that all the bulbs are functioning and furthermore, to ensure that the headlight and taillight lenses are not cloudy, as this reduces the amount of light that reaches the road. If your lenses are cloudy, use a headlight restoration kit, which utilizes fine-grit sandpaper and cleansing agents.
Checking Tire Conditions: Having tires that are in good condition and properly inflated are essential in ensuring that your vehicle has enough grip on the road during the heavy rainstorms, ice storms, and eventually the snowstorms during the winter months. The coin test is the simplest at-home test. Place a penny in the grooves of your tire with the head facing down. If you can see the entire head, it is time to replace the tires as they are too worn.
Check Functionality Of The Heater And Defroster: Perhaps it seems the most logical, but it is oftentimes the task that is least done. A simple check to ensure that the heater actually puts out warm air and that the defroster warms the windshield is sufficient.
ASE-Certified Mechanic Services Available In Blaine, MN
If you notice that your vehicle isn’t quite ready for the wrath that winter can bring upon Minnesotans, bring your vehicle by the certified mechanics at Clark Automotive. We have the knowhow and the experience to ensure that your vehicle is ready for whatever Mother Nature wants to dish out! Call (763) 784-7944 to schedule an appointment or just come on by!
Oil changes, tire rotations and regular tune ups are examples of preventative maintenance for your vehicle that can prevent major car problems down the road. If you make these small investments in your car, then over time you can expect to save money on more serious repairs. It is also important to have your vehicle serviced by a certified technician so that small and manageable problems do not turn into larger (more expensive) ones. Clark Automotive is a full-service car repair shop in Blaine, MN, that can help you with preventative maintenance so that you can enjoy your vehicle for many years to come!
There are plenty of auto repair shops in the Blaine, MN area. Choosing the right auto repair shop for your vehicle needs can be difficult. Sure, you could blindly choose a shop and hope they get the work done well. Or, you could do a little research to make sure that you are comfortable with your decision. After doing some research, you’ll find that Clark Automotive is the right choice when choosing an auto repair shop in the Blaine, MN area. We are proud to offer our clients complete vehicle care so that no matter what they are dealing with, they will not have to take their vehicle anywhere else!
Looking for an affordable engine tune-up in Blaine, MN? For over 17 years, our team here at Clark Automotive has been providing quality engine tune-ups in Blaine, MN. We offer this affordable service to our community so that all of our neighbors can feel safe out on the road. With quality parts, ASE master technicians and an auto shop that puts your best interest and safety first, Clark Automotive is the best place to be. Why are Engine Tune-ups Necessary?
It’s no secret that Minnesota weather plays a large toll on vehicles and their abilities. If you are looking to purchase a vehicle this winter, be wise about your decision process! At Clark Automotive, we can help you feel confident about your winter vehicle purchase. We offer vehicle pre-purchase inspections to all of our customers.
