Borgman How-To: 4 Critical Vehicle Parts To Check Before the West Michigan Winter

However, there are things you can do to minimize the risk of something going wrong from the winter wear and tear on your vehicle. In this Borgman How-To, we'll go over some things you can do or check for yourself. That way you'll know when it's time to bring your vehicle in for service.

 

When driving in the West Michigan winter weather, there are four forces working against you:

Let's take a look at each of these, and if you have any suspicions or doubts about your vehicle's winter-readiness, schedule an appointment with the Borgman Service Center today!

 

When rubber gets cold, it shrinks and becomes more brittle. Because of this, rubber components under the hood of your vehicle (and to some extent your tires) are susceptible to cracking or splitting in the cold weather. 

 

There a number of rubber components, but the most common troublemakers in the cold are the serpentine belt, coolant hoses, and the vacuum lines. Check your coolant hoses for any chalky residue, indicating steam escaping from cracks. Take a look at your serpentine belt too, (it's on the side of the engine) and 

make sure you don't see any excessive wear.

 

Vacuum leaks are harder to spot, but if you notice your vehicle accelerating strangely or revving too high or too low, schedule an appointment with us immediately.

 

Your tire pressure drops in the cold, so make sure to check your tire pressure often this time of year. It's usually best to check pressure first thing in the morning when the tires are cold. Properly-inflated tires are essential for your vehicle's handling, stopping distance, and fuel economy. 

 

While you're checking pressure, make sure you still have good tread on your tires too. While you can get a tire tread depth gauge, it's much easier to use a penny. Turn it so Abraham Lincoln is upside down, and put the penny into the tire tread. As long as the tire is covering the top of his head, your tires are still good. If you're noticing the rear tires are less worn than your fronts, come on in for a tire rotation!

 

If driving in ice and snow gives you trouble, you might want to talk to our experts about a winter set of tires too!

 

During the winter, the road commission sprays the streets and highways with a salt solution to melt road ice. This solution isn't just salt either, they mix in other chemicals that help melt ice faster and at lower temperatures. 

 

Unfortunately, the same reaction that causes the ice to melt also rusts your vehicle faster than just salt water would. This not only causes cosmetic damage, but it also corrodes your frame and suspension as well. 

 

During the winter, you have two options: be diligent about having your car washed, or ask us about rust protection with our friends at Great Lakes Chemical. 

 

Being able to see while it's snowing is critical, as you have reduced traction and other drivers to pay extra attention to. If your wiper blades are streaking or making lots of noise, now is the time to have them replaced.

 

We have a great selection of different wipers for different seasons, and our staff will be happy to explain the difference to you. We'll lay out a good-better-best selection and answer any questions you have.

 

Is it time for a basic service check? Have any questions about any of the tips listed above? Trust the experts at the Borgman Service Center to ensure the work is done right. Keeping up on your maintenance is the key to safety during the winter months. Take a look at our Service Specials and Schedule Your Appointment online today. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help if you have any questions. Come see why we're the Best in the West!