Get Your Dodge Ready for Winter
Fall is here and winter is right around the corner — and it likely has some surprises in store for all of us. As you know, the colder months bring low temperatures and snow which can wreak havoc on your Dodge vehicle. Whether you’re driving a Dodge Ram, a Dodge Challenger, or a Dodge Grand Caravan, you need to take the proper precautions for your vehicle so that it survives the winter and doesn’t break down on you.
Taking care of your vehicle in the winter can be tough and there isn’t a good time to breakdown, only slightly less inconvenient times. If you want to keep your Dodge vehicle running smoothly, you’ll want to take it to our Dodge dealership in Ottawa, CA so that we can go through our checklist to get you winter road ready. If your vehicle has been making funny sounds or not running smoothly, it’s advised to bring to our Dodge repair shop so that our experts can look it over and help address the problem before it snowballs this winter.
If you want to get your vehicle ready for the upcoming cold season, we’ve compiled a quick checklist to help you winterize your vehicle; this checklist covers all vehicles including Dodge Ram trucks and Dodge Grand Caravans.
Check and replace your fluids
Now is the time to do a flush on any fluids that are starting to get thick and “muddy” before they gunk up your internal lines. If you’re nearing the time for an oil change, or are overdue, our repair shop is the best place to get an oil change for your vehicle. Make sure to check your coolant as this helps keep your engine from freezing as well as overheating. You don’t want a cracked radiator in freezing temperatures while you wait for roadside assistance – trust us on that one. Don’t forget to test your battery as its efficiency dwindles slightly in the winter.
Get winter tires
Some Dodge Ram trucks are large enough and have the power to handle snowy terrain, but it’s better not to run the risk of losing traction and sliding around. Put the winter tires on your vehicle so you always have grip, even when snow is compacted onto the roads so you never start to sway or veer out of control. Not only is it safer for you, it’s safer for other drivers on the road as well.
Get an emergency kit
If the worst does happen and you break down this winter, it’s better to have prepared early for just such an occasion to make sure you’re safe and covered until help arrives. A basic emergency kit should include:
- A shovel
- An ice scraper
- A blanket or two
- Road flares
- Oil
- Coolant
- Jumper cables
- A flashlight
- And first-aid accessories
Packing and storing these in your vehicle will come in handy if anything goes awry while you’re driving.
If you have any questions about getting your Dodge vehicle ready for the winter, don’t hesitate to call us to set up an appointment with our Dodge repair shop. We also have an array of new and used Dodge vehicles that can handle Ottawa winters if you’re looking to upgrade from your current vehicle. Call or email us today to speak with a representative to learn more about our lineup and how we can help you find the perfect vehicle for your needs.