Fall has arrived in our area and winter is not far away. Now is the time to start thinking about maintenance that can keep your vehicle in tip-top condition. Timely maintenance keeps your vehicle running smoothly, and can help increase your trade-in value, improve your gas mileage and prevent costly repairs down the road. At First Tire & Automotive, our trained, certified technicians offer cutting edge vehicle diagnostic technology. This makes us your “dashboard light” experts. Come see us for a free pre-winter vehicle inspection.
The first cold snap can mean battery trouble for many vehicles. Cold weather places heavier cranking demands on your battery. We check your battery terminals for cleanliness and make sure the clamps are tight. If your battery is over two years old, it is a good idea to test or replace it before winter arrives. And if your battery light is on, come see us right away.
Another common cold weather problem is tire pressure. If your tire pressure light comes on, we need to adjust the pressure and ensure your continued driving safety. We also recommend a full inspection of your tires and your vehicle’s braking system. We check the wear pattern on your tires, as well as tread depth. Worn and underinflated tires can adversely affect your vehicle’s gas mileage and overall performance. The brake pads and rotors are also checked for wear. This is important for safe driving in wet winter conditions. Also, postponing brake service can exponentially increase the cost of overhauling your brake system.
Dry, cold weather can put stress on your vehicle’s moving parts. Our technicians check the belts for cracks, missing pieces and worn edges and ensure they are tightened properly. On the hoses, we look for bulges, soft spots, cracks or brittleness. We also check your wiper blades for cracking and splitting. As a rule, we recommend changing wiper blades at every second oil change. Finally, we inspect the fluid systems that assist the moving parts. Our technicians check your oil and transmission fluid, power steering, brakes and radiator and battery fluids. Regular level inspection and flushing of these fluids can measurably improve your vehicle’s performance in cold months.
Come see the “dashboard light” specialists at First Tire & Automotive and let one of our high tech experts perform a free pre-winter inspection on your vehicle.
Craig Popp has been the owner of First Tire & Automotive since 1998. Since then the company has grown to three stores in Fort Bend County. First Tire & Automotive is an enthusiastic supporter of various local organizations and charities.
Craig Popp has been the owner of First Tire & Automotive since 1998. Since then the company has grown to three stores in Fort Bend County. First Tire & Automotive is an enthusiastic supporter of various local organizations and charities.