CLEAR WATER (WQOW) – Wisconsin winters can be a rollercoaster, but is your car ready for the trip?
Mechanics with ATS Complete Auto Repair in Eau Claire say to winterize your car, make sure you have enough engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid and wiper fluid. ice, especially a liquid that can withstand at least 20 degrees below zero.
They also suggest investing in good tires.
You’ve probably heard of checking your tire’s tread with a penny, but to get a more accurate reading, makers suggest using a tread depth gauge which can cost just $3 or $4.
Insert the gauge at the lowest point of your tire. If the gauge reads at least 5/32, everything is fine for the winter, but lower you need to replace the tire.
“If it (the tyre) was uneven, well, you might have problems with the steering, the suspension, which causes the tires to wear. Maybe you just need an alignment. The tires need be rotated every 6,000 miles,” said John Effertz, owner of ATS Complete Auto Repair.
If you can, he suggests buying winter tires. They have sipes, or additional slits in the surface of the tires, to improve traction when driving in snowy or icy conditions.
Be sure to keep your tires inflated to the correct PSI, which can be found inside the driver’s door.
Having the wrong tires can cause you to hit a curb and bend a rim. Effertz says new rims can cost between $150 and $800.
He adds that it’s a good idea to replace your windshield wipers every fall and spring.
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