It’s Time to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter
Fall is here, and those of us in Minnesota certainly know what’s coming next.
Apollo Glass reminds you to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter by taking a moment to check it over to make sure everything is in proper order. Check your fluids, check the wear of your tires and look over your windshield to make sure there are no cracks in need of filling.
Another way to prepare for winter is to pack a small survival kit to put in the glovebox or trunk. Extreme winter weather can kill someone exposed to the elements in mere minutes and being stranded in Minnesota’s cold temperatures can be dangerous if you aren’t prepared. To get prepared, pack a small box or bag with items including small candles and matches, a small, sharp knife and plastic spoons, a whistle, safety pins, a red bandanna or cloth, a pencil and paper, and a large plastic garbage bag. Be sure to include a plastic flashlight and spare batteries. Reverse the batteries in the flashlight to avoid accidentally switching it on and burning it out.
If you’re planning a long trip and/or travel through rural areas, also consider packing jumper cables, basic tools, small packages of food that you can eat hot or cold, 30-foot rope/cord, sand or cat litter, tow cables or a chain, shovel, heavy winter coat, snow pants, winter boots and a sleeping bag or blanket.
Remember that driving on snowy and icy roads is different than driving on dry pavement. Take it slow when you first start out. Accelerate carefully to test wheel spin and brake gently to test skidding. Accelerating too quickly can make wheels spin on ice and snow, and stepping too hard on the brake pedal will lock the brakes and cause a loss of steering control.
Other things to check to prepare your vehicle for winter include the car battery, wipers and washer fluid, antifreeze, ignition system, thermostat, headlights, hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, oil level, tires, and air pressure. You can do this yourself or use a certified mechanic. If you have a crack in your windshield, call Apollo Glass and get it taken care of before the cold and wet winter months arrive. Those chips can spread and quickly and become a serious problem because they can affect your ability to see well enough to drive.
If you do get into a winter accident and are in need of windshield work, call Apollo Glass. We’ll fix a broken or cracked windshield quickly and get you back on the road in no time. We even have a courtesy car for customers to use while their own vehicle is being repaired, and we’ll work with your insurance company to file the claim and handle the paperwork.
For more information about windshield repair, call Apollo Glass in Buffalo, Minnesota, at 763-682-5100 or email info@apolloglassinc.com. Learn more about Apollo Glass and its services here.
