Winter Vehicle Prep Pittsburgh

The importance of your vehicle's tires cannot be overstated to ensure safety during winter driving. The bottom line is that sufficient tire tread is directly linked to improved traction on snow-covered roads. Investing in a set of snow tires is a fantastic way to preserve the life of both sets of tires and provide yourself with optimal traction in the wintertime. Now, while snow tires certainly help maintain traction in winter weather, a set of all-season tires with excellent tread will help get you through the winter. Our service experts can help measure your tread and advise you on your tire situation. If you're advised that new tires would keep you safer this winter, you might have the dilemma of buying snow tires now, along with another set of all-season tires in the spring. A great solution to this is winter-biased all-season tires, which essentially take the best qualities of a snow tire and combine them with an all-season tire, making them an all-season tire prepared for the harsh Pennsylvania winter. Our experts will help you choose the right tire for your needs and your budget. To learn more about snow tires, visit this page where we discuss the benefits of snow tires. In addition to checking your tread, the Three Rivers service experts will also provide balancing, rotations, pressure checks, and wheel alignments. 

Warming up your car before getting in makes those bitter winter mornings more tolerable. However, the most unwelcome situation is getting in your car after it's been running only to feel cold air still. While this is certainly uncomfortable for you, it can also pose a safety risk. Known as defrosters, the vents underneath your windshield play a critical role in eliminating the frost on your windshield by directing hot air onto the glass. With a malfunctioning heating system, these defrosters can be rendered ineffective, decreasing your visibility. Before the weather reaches its coldest, you should test your heating system. Simply turn on your vehicle and turn the temperature and fans to the highest setting. Once the engine reaches its operating temperature, place a hand in front of the vents, including the defrosters, and ensure that the air is sufficiently warm. If you find that the air is not as warm as it once was, bring your vehicle to the service center at Three Rivers CDJR. Here, a certified technician will diagnose the problems and advise you on the necessary repairs. 

Your car's ability to start in cold weather relies on the health of its battery. As temperatures continue to fall, your battery's job in turning over the engine becomes more difficult. Every car battery has a rating of Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), which essentially determines its ability to crank the engine in the cold. The size and displacement of the engine determine the battery's specific CCA, but for most cars, trucks, and SUVs, the range is between 350 and 600 CCA. You should bring your car to our service center if you notice your vehicle struggling to turn over the engine. Some examples of a battery with a low CCA include longer turnover times, strained whirring noises, and failure to start. If you notice these things, bring your car in and one of our technicians will happily test your battery's CCA and replace it if it is deemed necessary. While under the hood, our technicians will also be happy to check your fluids, including brake, power steering and coolant. They will also check the lubricating oils, including the oil in the engine, transmission, front differential, transfer case, and rear differential. 

Winter weather adds another level of risk while driving, and it's important to be mindful of this added risk. When it comes to minimizing this risk,  You should also increase your following distance from the car in front of you to prevent a collision in the event of a loss of traction by giving yourself extra time to regain control. It is also important to be mindful of how much pressure you apply to the gas and brake pedal, as applying too much pressure too fast can cause a loss of traction. Lastly, when you come to a hill, you should build up enough speed while on flat ground to help carry you up the hill, rather than trying to power up it, as this will help maintain traction. To enhance your wintertime readiness, it is advised to put together a winter driving safety kit. You can place this kit in the back seat or your trunk to have it with you wherever you go. It should include winter essentials like extra warm layers, including hats and gloves, an ice scraper, a first aid kit, a compact or collapsible shovel, and a flashlight with spare batteries. The parts department here at Three Rivers CDJR is ready to help you assemble your own safety kit or acquire one from Mopar. 

To prepare yourself and your vehicle for the oftentimes brutal Pittsburgh winter by visiting the parts and service center here at Three Rivers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. if you're unsure about your car's ability to help you through this winter, our service technicians will happily inspect your vehicle and test its critical components to ensure your comfort and safety. If you'd like to reach our knowledgeable staff regarding any services you may need, you can use the contact form below this page. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment with our service center by using our online scheduling tool. We look forward to assisting you!