Winter is just around the corner in Illinois, and it's crucial to be fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. ProAuto, a trusted name in vehicle maintenance, has come up with an 8-step guide to help you get your car ready for family road trips during the winter months. In this guide, we'll explore what supplies to pack, how to keep your car in good working order, and what to do when things don't go as planned.

Be Winter-Ready with ProAuto's Expert Guide

Supplies for Winter Road Trips

The new guide from ProAuto offers valuable insights into the supplies you should pack for winter road trips. It includes essential items such as jumper cables, a small shovel, and road flares. These items can be a lifesaver in an emergency situation, helping you get out of a jam when the weather turns bad. Additionally, having these supplies on hand can give you peace of mind and ensure the safety of your family during the journey.

Imagine being stranded on the side of the road during a winter storm with no way to start your car or get help. Having jumper cables can allow you to jump-start a dead battery and get back on the road. A small shovel can be used to clear snow and ice from around your tires, improving traction and preventing you from getting stuck. Road flares can signal for help and alert other drivers to your presence in case of an emergency.

Keeping Your Car in Good Working Order

ProAuto's guide also focuses on strategies to keep your car in good working order during the worst winter storms and icy conditions. This includes regular maintenance tasks such as replacing summer tires with high-grip snow tires, changing wiper blades, and checking fluid levels. These simple steps can make a big difference in the performance and reliability of your vehicle.

During the winter months, tires are especially prone to failure due to the cold temperatures and slippery roads. By replacing your summer tires with snow tires, you can significantly improve traction and reduce the risk of skidding or sliding. Changing wiper blades is also important to ensure clear visibility in heavy snow and rain. And checking fluid levels, such as coolant and windshield washer fluid, can prevent your car from overheating or having trouble with visibility.

Dealing with Winter Mishaps

Illinois drivers are particularly prone to wintertime mishaps due to lake effect winds and fast-changing weather conditions. In 2011, a blizzard stranded thousands on the interstate outside of Chicago, highlighting the importance of preparedness. ProAuto's guide provides an overview of what a motorist might take with them to prepare for a situation like the 2011 blizzard.

Even if you're well-prepared, there may still be times when things don't go smoothly. That's why it's important to know how to get out of a jam when faced with a winter emergency. ProAuto's guide offers tips and strategies for dealing with situations such as getting stuck in the snow, having a flat tire, or experiencing car trouble. By being prepared and knowing what to do, you can minimize the impact of a winter mishap and get back on the road safely.

Regular Maintenance is Key

The author emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance in protecting your car during the tough winter months. Making sure to see your mechanic regularly and tackling problems before they get out of hand can save you both time and money in the long run. Regular maintenance includes tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, and brake inspections.

By taking care of your car through regular maintenance, you can ensure that it's in good working order and less likely to experience problems during the winter. This can help you avoid costly repairs and breakdowns, and keep you and your family safe on the road. So don't neglect your car's maintenance during the winter months – it's an investment in your safety and peace of mind.

If you need winter prep maintenance or have questions about the guide and its contents, you can call (847) 906-2395 or visit https://www.proautoillinois.com/8-quick-step-guide-to-winter-car-preparation-for-family-road-trips. ProAuto has been providing vehicle maintenance services to residents of Morton Grove, Glencoe, Golf, Skokie, Northfield, and the surrounding areas for many years, and their expert team is here to help you get through the winter safely.

ProAuto[email protected]+1 847 232 77776100 W Dempster StMorton GroveIllinois60053United States

The Fisker Ocean, a vehicle that initially held great promise with its Toyota Highlander-sized frame, 350 miles of range, and a base price below $40,000, made its debut in American showrooms. It combined a well-appointed design with the allure of cutting-edge technology. However, as time passed, a series of challenges emerged.

Unraveling the Fisker Ocean's Parts Fallout

Initial Success and Subsequent Struggles

After selling more than 7,000 units in the U.S., the Fisker Ocean faced a series of issues. Faulty technical releases, reported financial mismanagement, and delivery problems plagued the vehicle. This led to the implementation of bankruptcy plans, which received federal approval in October. For collision shops and customers in need of repairs, dealing with the aftermath has been a difficult journey. 1: The initial success of the Fisker Ocean was evident with its mass-market appeal. Customers were drawn to its features and price point. But as problems started to surface, it became clear that the journey was far from smooth. The vehicle, which once seemed like a game-changer, was now facing a crisis. 2: The impact of these issues was felt across the board. From the inability to turn on the car to locked doors and unresponsive key fobs, Ocean drivers faced numerous problems. With Fisker in bankruptcy, there was no clear way to address these issues or get the necessary repairs done.

The Parts Distribution Nightmare

Since the bankruptcy, parts distribution has been a major headache. Windshields, for example, are virtually unavailable. Only 36 windshields were released post-Chapter 11, with 18 going to the public and 18 to American Lease. Collision shops with three Oceans awaiting window repairs have no replacement timeline. 1: Customers have turned to alternative sources like eBay as dealer parts ran out. This has driven up prices, with bumpers listed for up to $2,800 and hoods for $1,800. Even a damaged hood can cost $500 plus a $375 delivery fee. The scarcity of parts has created a difficult situation for both shops and owners. 2: Not all parts require full replacement, as pointed out by Ed Rios. The bumpers, fenders, and rear quarter panels of the vehicle are made of plastic, and refurbishing them can save money. However, ADAS cameras and radars, which are mostly mounted on bumpers, need to be recalibrated using Fisker's proprietary FAST tool, which is currently in short supply.

The Knowledge Gap

Fisker struggled to disseminate critical vehicle maintenance information to certified parts repairers. In some cases, the maintenance playbook was not completed before the Chapter 11 filing, leaving repairers in the dark. Rios also noted that the current iterations of the body repair manual do not include specifications for frame and jig machines. 1: This lack of information has created a knowledge gap among repairers, making it difficult for them to properly make certain repairs. The cars were not built with service in mind, as one technician at an FOA-appointed shop pointed out. This has added to the challenges faced by the repair industry. 2: Without the necessary information, repairers are left to figure things out on their own, which can lead to mistakes and delays. It is essential for Fisker to address this knowledge gap and provide repairers with the tools and information they need to do their jobs effectively.

The Tsunami Forms

Fisker owners banded together to form Tsunami Automotive, a for-profit company that is working to secure parts for Ocean owners. The company employs four key strategies to achieve this goal. 1: It salvages parts from closed Fisker dealerships and U.S. locations, partners with refurbishing companies to create molds for remanufacturing, collaborates with original parts manufacturers, and plans to leverage California's right to repair laws. These efforts are aimed at creating a steady pipeline of vehicle parts. 2: Tsunami is also in talks with American Lease to build more robust parts supplies. The company has located 77 windshields in an insurance warehouse in Europe and is optimistic about the future. With these strategies in place, Tsunami hopes to restore insurers' confidence in the Fisker Ocean.

Regional Market Impact

Most Ocean deliveries occurred on the West Coast, with four states - California, Arizona, Washington, and Nevada - accounting for more than 50% of the market share. California alone represented about 33%. 1: This regional concentration has added to the challenges faced by the repair industry. With a large number of Oceans in these states, the demand for parts is high, but the supply is limited. It is crucial for Tsunami and FOA to focus on these regions and ensure that parts are available. 2: Rios hopes that these customers will continue to build supportive networks like the FOA. By working together, they can put pressure on Fisker and the relevant authorities to address the parts issues and restore the reputation of the Fisker Ocean.