http://www.performanceautoblog.com/prepare-winter-vehicle-maintenancePrepare for Winter with Vehicle MaintenancePerformance Automotive Blog

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Winter is just around the corner, gearing up to make our Nebraska roads into a snowy and icy mess. Now is a great time to get your vehicle serviced to be sure you are ready to battle winter weather and hazardous roads.

While regular vehicle maintenance is always important to ensure you’re getting the maximum performance from your vehicle, winter maintenance is especially important as we head into the cold months. Ignoring problems now could lead to more expensive repair costs and being stranded in the snow.

The American Automobile Association lists the five elements critical to safe vehicle operation:

1. Traction: When tires loose tread, traction in poor weather conditions is significantly reduced. Reduced traction can lead to loss of braking power and steering control.
2. Suspension and Alignment: Worn wheels, shock absorbers, springs and struts can lead to accelerated tire wear and loss of vehicle control during sudden turns or at higher speeds.
3. Braking: Old brake fluid or low fluid levels can lead to brake fade or failure.
4. Fluids: Fluid leaks are incredibly dangerous and can lead to vehicle fires, while low fluid levels can lead to other serious problems with your vehicle. Oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid and brake fluid should all be checked regularly.
5. Vision: Debris on the windshield can obstruct your vision if your windshield wipers and washer fluid aren’t working correctly. Wiper blades should be checked at every oil change and the washer fluid should be checked monthly.

To ensure your vehicle is ready to power through the winter weather with maximum performance, follow this maintenance checklist:

• Inspect your tires: Tires tend to lose pressure when it’s cold, so be sure to keep them properly inflated. Also, be sure to check your tire treads – anything less than 1/8” needs to be replaced soon.
• Check your antifreeze: Make sure the level is close to full and that you maintain close to a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze.
• Clean your battery posts: Regular battery cleaning can help you avoid costly electrical problems.
• Inspect your spark plug wires: Bad spark plug wires can affect your vehicle’s performance, gas mileage and overall reliability.
• Inspect your brakes: Make sure your brake fluid levels are safe and that brake pads don’t show too much wear.
• Check your engine oil: You should check your engine oil monthly and schedule and keep regular oil change appointments.
• Check your battery: Have a mechanic check your battery and cables to ensure your car will start quickly and reliably.
• Check hoses and belts: Make sure all your hoses and belts are free of cracks, bulges and splits.
• Check your vehicle for any minor scratches: Road salt can turn slight scratches into ugly rust spots. It’s important to repair any minor scratches before your vehicle comes into contact with road salt to avoid this problem.
• Check your lights: Replace any burned out lights so you can see and be seen.
• Carrying an emergency kit in your vehicle can help keep you safe until help arrives if your car gets stuck.

A good emergency kit should include:

• First aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Extra gloves and a hat
• Granola or energy bars
• Road flares
• A warm blanket

Make an appointment today to get your vehicle ready for the winter by visiting your nearest Performance Auto service center or online at PerformanceAuto.com.