Oct 9, 2019
Winter Driving

It won’t be long before we will be dealing with the excitement of Michigan winter driving, so now is the time to be prepared.  Having your vehicle ready to go before the first snowflakes fall can make the idea of winter driving less daunting.  Whether you inspect your vehicle yourself, or trust the experts at Thelen Mazda in Bay City, knowing your vehicle is up to winter challenges is essential.

Checking tire tread is a very important part of preparing for winter.  If you put a penny into your tire tread, you should not be able to see the top of Lincoln’s head.  This is with the penny head pointed down and facing you.  If your vehicle fails the penny test, it is important to replace your tires with good quality tires to enhance your vehicle’s winter handling.  Be sure to keep your tire pressure at the proper inflation.  This helps not only your handling but also encourages even tire tread wear.  Other areas that should be checked before starting winter driving are antifreeze, battery, and the vehicle’s heater system.

Even a quality vehicle, like your Mazda, that has been well-maintained, can end up with an issue that leaves you roadside.  Be prepared for the unlikely occurrence by putting together an Emergency Kit.  Year-round essentials for your kit include a small tool kit, first aid kit, jumper cables, and flashlight.  For winter driving, you should add in a blanket, warm gloves, and a small shovel.

Our Mazda service experts at Thelen Mazda near Midland and Saginaw are eager to help you inspect your vehicle for any potential issues.  They have the tools and knowledge necessary to take care of any issues before they become a problem!  Schedule your appointment today….before winter comes to the Great Lakes Bay Region!