Winterize Your Vehicle for Safety and Performance
Regular Maintenance is Key
Service Manager Donny Caron from Riverside Chevrolet GMC emphasizes the importance of regular intervals of maintenance. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, and other essential services to keep your vehicle running smoothly. He also highlights the significance of cleaning off your vehicle after a heavy snowfall to prevent damage.About 60 percent of their calls on the day after a heavy ice or snow storm are due to wipers not working. Caron recommends sticking the wipers up if there is impending snow or ice in the forecast and keeping the gas tank at least half full to prevent moisture from building up in the tank and costly repairs.
Part Sales Martin Edwards at Chatfield Machine Napa of Escanaba agrees, stating that preparing your vehicle as much as possible for the colder months is essential. He emphasizes having quality wiper blades, headlamps, and tires to ensure safety on the road.
Correct Wiper Fluid is Crucial
Using the correct blend of wiper fluid is vital. Using the wrong blend can lead to freezing and cracking of the lines that go to the windshield washing sprayers. Edwards explains that having a working wiper system is especially critical during the summer when dealing with bugs.You can avoid unnecessary repairs by getting your wiper fluid ready for winter. It's a simple change that can make a big difference in the performance of your vehicle.
Battery Care in Winter
Batteries play a crucial role in winter. Colder weather can reduce their performance and lifespan. Edwards recommends getting your battery tested and unplugging chargers or other power-draining devices from auxiliary and cigarette ports.Leaving cables in can slowly drain a battery, even if it is of good quality or new. Stressing the battery makes the charging system work harder, which can lead to problems.
Warming Up the Vehicle
Both Caron and Edwards agree that a vehicle should be warmed up for at least 10 to 15 minutes before hitting the road. This allows the fluid in the vehicle to move around, the coolant to circulate, and the transmission and engine oil to warm up, improving their performance.For those with short commutes, it's especially important to allow the engine to reach the proper operating temperature. These short trips are not good for the engine, and proper warm-ups are necessary.
Tire Maintenance
Caron recommends all-weather tires for the UP climate. Cold weather can affect tire pressure, so it's important to check and fill the tires to the proper level. Research shows that for every 10 degrees the temperature drops, tires typically lose one to two pounds of pressure.Having good tires on your vehicle is paramount for safety. Quality tires with decent tread are essential during the winter months.
Cleaning the Vehicle
While the vehicle is heating up, it's important to clean off as much snow as possible, especially from the windows and lights. Headlights caked in snow reduce visibility and pose a hazard to both the driver and other motorists.For those who travel a medium to far distance every day, going to a car wash once a week to remove snow debris and road salt is recommended. Edwards emphasizes the importance of cleaning the underbody of the vehicle to remove salt from open metal spaces.
Driving Tips on the Road
Caron provides tips for driving on the road during winter, including driving slower, keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, taking your time, and practicing defensive driving. Edwards echoes these tips, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to other drivers."You can't expect everyone around you to be driving safely. Pay attention to your surroundings as it could potentially save your life or the lives of others." This is the most important thing - everyone being safe on the road.
"Mercedes' New Brake System: A Game-Changer for Electric Vehicles"
Eliminating Brake Maintenance Costs
Traditional brakes, whether disc or drum style, generate dust as they wear down, which ends up polluting our air and water. Mercedes' new system keeps this brake dust contained within the unit, offering drivers the advantage of potentially saving thousands in service costs over the vehicle's lifetime. This eliminates the need for frequent brake maintenance, providing a hassle-free ownership experience.Beyond that, the system's design ensures that it remains clean and efficient, reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional brakes. It's a step towards a more sustainable future for electric vehicle owners.Environmental Benefits and Clean Choices
The fact that Mercedes' new brake system keeps brake dust contained within the unit makes it a cleaner choice for our communities. Traditional brakes contribute to air and water pollution, but this innovative system eliminates that issue. By choosing an electric vehicle with Mercedes' new brake system, drivers can actively contribute to a cleaner environment.This not only benefits the planet but also enhances the overall appeal of electric vehicles. It shows that electric vehicles can be just as reliable and efficient as traditional vehicles while reducing their environmental footprint.Enhancing Vehicle Performance and Appeal
This new brake system goes beyond just environmental benefits. It also enhances the performance and appeal of electric vehicles. The design, which features a water-cooled disc that stays still while a circular pad spins with the motor, is highly efficient. It eliminates brake fade during heavy use, reducing the risk of accidents and providing a more consistent driving experience.In addition, the system reduces noise and prevents the rusty brake appearance that many drivers dislike. It even allows for completely covered wheels, which can make future electric vehicles more aerodynamic and efficient. These features make electric vehicles more appealing to a wider range of drivers, including those who are concerned about performance and aesthetics.While Mercedes hasn't announced when this technology will be available in showrooms, it represents a significant step forward in the evolution of electric vehicles. As automakers continue to innovate, we can expect to see more exciting developments in the future.Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.Discover the Hidden Costs of Keeping Your Car Longer
How Long Do Consumers Plan to Keep Their Cars?
The idea of consumers hanging onto their cars longer has been on the rise. In 2024, the average age of a car on American roads is 13.6 years, compared to 8.4 years 30 years ago. In Canada, the vehicle age is about 11 years. Some people keep their cars due to financial constraints, while others believe in the longevity of their vehicles. This shift in consumer behavior has led to a change in the automotive market.
For example, luxury nameplates like BMW and Mercedes-Benz had their lowest representation on the top-10 searched and sold vehicles list for the second year in a row. This shows that consumers are becoming more cautious and opting for more practical, mainstream models.
The Benefits of Keeping a Car Longer
Cars are built more reliably these days, and they should last longer with less maintenance. An odometer churning over 100,000 km is the expected norm, and some Japanese rigs even aim for double or triple that. The continued domination by Toyota of annual retained value ratings proves that these vehicles can hold their value over time.
Maintenance is also cheaper than repair. By keeping a car for a longer period, owners can avoid the high costs associated with frequent repairs. However, it's important to note that a poorly maintained vehicle can be dangerous for both the owner and other road users.
The Challenges of Delaying Maintenance
While keeping a car longer can save money, delaying maintenance can lead to more significant problems in the long run. Some aftermarket outfits are reporting steep drops in sales, and some are taking a hit on the stock market. This indicates that consumers are not prioritizing maintenance.
Tire shops are also feeling the impact as people opt for cheaper imports. But one round of inferior tires can be a warning sign that maintenance has been neglected. It's crucial to maintain an older car properly to avoid costly repairs down the line.
The Role of New Tech in Aftercare
The aftercare market has been focused on new tech, such as servicing electric or hybrid vehicles. While the sector has been making progress in training for these changes, it's important to ensure that existing vehicles are also well taken care of. Recessions and economic uncertainty are nothing new, and history shows that we go through cyclical shifts.
Maintaining an older car to delay the purchase of a new one requires regular servicing. If owners neglect this, they may end up paying a lot more in the future.
Consumer Attitudes and the Market Shift
Senior analyst Daniel Ross noted a change in consumer attitudes as they coped with rising costs. The push to hybrids and plug-ins shows that buyers are considering the total cost of ownership instead of just a monthly outlay. This shift in thinking is reflected in the market, where luxury and pricier vehicles are sitting longer as consumers head to more affordable options.
Every year, more features that were once exclusive to luxury cars are becoming standard on every vehicle. This makes it easier for consumers to hold onto their current cars without feeling like they're missing out on the latest technology.
The Importance of Safety
European New Car Assessment Program (ECAP) has announced that new cars will need to have fewer screens and more human-friendly intuitive buttons to earn a 5-star safety rating. This shows that safety is a top priority, and it's something that consumers also value.
Centre stacks topped by giant screens can be a distraction, especially for older drivers. By focusing on safety features that are intuitive and easy to use, manufacturers can make cars safer for everyone.
Want to hang on to your senior vehicle? Check out Driving.ca's Brian Turner's tips on maintaining it. With the right care, your car can continue to serve you well for years to come.