The holidays are fast approaching, meaning many of us will be traveling across West Michigan to see loved ones. Given the time of year, there's a chance you may drive through some of West Michigan's famous winter weather.
Earlier in the season, West Michigan is prone to lake-effect snowstorms, which come on suddenly and can deposit up to a foot or more of precipitation. If you're out driving during one of these storms, preparedness is key for arriving safely. In this Borgman How-To, we'll give you some pointers on preparing your vehicle for the trip.
Checking Your Tires
We know it seems like we mention this in every "vehicle check" post we do, but that's because your tires are so important for vehicle safety. They are your sole contact with the road, and play a role in traction, steering, and stopping. They should be free of cracks, worn patches, and their tread depth should pass the "penny test" before you set out. Crouch down and put a penny with the top of Abraham Lincoln's head pointing down into the tread. If the top of his head is covered when looking at it flat-on, your tires still have enough tread.
Making sure your tires are properly inflated is just as important. There should be a sticker in your driver's side door well that states how much air you should keep in your tires, but if you're not sure, 33 pounds per square inch (psi) is fairly common. This number should also appear in your owner's manual.
Remember to check the condition of your spare tire as well.
If your tires don't pass the "penny test" or you're noticing uneven wear, cracks, leaks, or bulges, schedule an appointment with the Borgman Service Center today and ask about our current rebates and specials on name-brand tires.
Check All Of Your Lights
Though it's the law to ensure all of your lights are in working order before driving, we mention it because it's important. Making sure you have a clear view of the road in front of you is a good thing even in clear conditions, but making sure you're visible to other drivers is equally important.
Your owners manual will have detailed instructions about how to change your headlights, turn signals, running lights, and taillights, as well as which bulbs to use for each. However, if you don't feel comfortable taking apart these assemblies or are short on time, we'll be happy to change them for you.
Check The Condition of Your Battery
Your vehicle's battery can suddenly stop holding a charge in the cold weather. The rule of thumb is to replace your battery every five years. If your battery has ever been depleted, the need could arise sooner.
When your car has trouble starting in the cold, sometimes it's just because of built-up corrosion on the terminals. You can clean this yourself by disconnecting the battery and using baking soda and an old toothbrush. Disconnect the negative first, then the positive, reconnect the positive first, then the negative. If you're uncomfortable doing this, or you just want to see if your battery is going faulty, we'd be happy to help.
Construct A Roadside Emergency Kit
Putting together a kit for use in emergencies and storing it in your vehicle grants peace of mind, and is something you hope you never need but don't want to be caught without.
What you keep in there is up to you, as you can get as elaborate as you want with them. However, we recommend the following items as a bare minimum, with some items added for the winter months.
- First Aid Kit. You can usually find these preassembled at big box grocery stores and they're generally not expensive.
- Roadside Hazard Signs. These have replaced road flares and are covered in reflective material to alert other drivers.
- Flashlights and Batteries. Keep a flashlight and a fresh pack of batteries in your kit as well, but don't store the batteries in the flashlight as they will leak and corrode over time.
- Gloves, Blanket, Hats, Socks. Having warm winter clothing in the back can be a big help if your heater is not operational. You can supplement these with space blankets and instant hand warmers.
- Clay Cat Litter and a Small Shovel. These can help you get traction if you're stuck in snow or ice. Use the shovel to clear the tires and bottom of the vehicle as best as you can, then sprinkle the cat litter to make a track your tires can grab onto. Since the litter is just being used for traction, the cheap non-clumping stuff works just fine.
- Strong Rope or Tow Straps. These can be used by another vehicle to pull your vehicle out of a ditch or a snowbank.
- Jumper Cables. These can be used to help your vehicle start if your battery dies. Having your own means you don't need to depend on a stranger having some.
- Foam Tire Sealant. While this stuff can get you home in a pinch, it's not a permanent fix. Be sure to let us know you used it when you come in to get your tire patched or replaced.
- Other Misc Items. These might be overkill, but if you feel more comfortable being prepared for anything, consider items like weatherproof matches, a multi-tool with a knife, cord, a compass, paper maps, a rain poncho, protein bars, and other survival gear.
Get Your Vehicle Ready for Winter Road Trips at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI
We hope this list helps you make sure your vehicle is ready for travel across West Michigan this holiday season. If you discover any potential issues with your vehicle, know that the Borgman Service Center is here to help. Our expert technicians will look over your vehicle and make sure all of your maintenance and fluids are up to standard when you get The Works package, and we'll happily answer any questions you may have about your vehicle.
You can use our easy Online Scheduler to plan your visit, Contact Our Service Department with any questions, or check out our latest Service Specials. We hope you drive safely this winter and remember we're here for all of your vehicle needs. Come see why we're the Best in the West!
You can use our easy Online Scheduler to plan your visit, Contact Our Service Department with any questions, or check out our latest Service Specials. We hope you drive safely this winter and remember we're here for all of your vehicle needs. Come see why we're the Best in the West!