Jack Williams

Winterize Your Car – Part 1 of 3

Have an Emergency Kit In Your Car
You can purchase a ready-made kit at your favorite auto store. Some of the most valuable items to have are flashlights (with extra batteries), engine oil, washer fluid and possibly coolant.
Of course you want an ice scraper. Having a telescoping pole on the scraper makes removing snow that much easier. We also recommend flares.
Items that you might not have thought of include extra gloves, boots and a blanket as protection against a non-functioning heater.

4 Wheel Drive Checkup
It is likely you do not use the 4 wheel drive on your car very often. Make sure it is in working order. It will help you from getting stuck in snow and prevent a skid from becoming an accident. If you have ever skidded you know how helpless you feel as your car goes down the road. The best advice for skids is to steer in the direction of the skid. What you need to do is countersteer to bring the car back to the direction you were trying to go in the first place. Easier said than done in a moment of panic, but visualize it often and it may save you in a skid.
However, having 4 wheel drive does not mean you can drive with disregard for the weather and road conditions. Always use caution when the weather goes bad.

Check the Car's Belts and Hoses

Unless you know what to look for, this task might be better left to your mechanic. It will take him just a few minutes to ensure everything looks and feels good. Cold temperatures can weaken belts and hoses. You do not want to be stuck when this happens. There is nothing that you will be able to do. Just be sure you have your AAA card and a cell phone.

Jack Williams Tire and Auto Service Centers specialize in all of your vehicle's service needs. Whether your vehicle needs factory scheduled maintenance, state inspections or mission inspections, Jack Williams' ASE certified professionals know just how to help you. Visit any of our 29 locations to meet with Jack Williams' team of experts for alignments, brakes, shocks, struts, exhausts, batteries, fluid services, oil changes, filters, belts, hoses, diagnostics and more! Jack Williams Tire is proud to employ ASE certified technicians.