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Why Your Car’s Fluids Thicken During Winter And How To Fix It
There are a variety of hazards and repairs that can come up for your vehicle during cold winter months. We’re here to help you stay safe on the road during this season and year-round.
That’s why today we’re highlighting an important issue you should be aware of when you’re driving in the winter.
Vehicle Fluids That Can Thicken In Cooler Temperatures
This is a common winter problem. Fluids like oil, antifreeze, power steering, transmission fluid, and brake fluid can get thicker when outdoor temperatures drop. Think of the fluids in your vehicle like maple syrup that pours easily when it’s warm and moves less freely when it’s kept in the fridge.
Starting your vehicle about ten minutes before you leave can help warm up these fluids in below-freezing temperatures.
It’s also a good rule of thumb to have your fluids checked and topped off before the temperature drops, and continue monitoring these fluids to make sure they’re at safe levels as winter continues.
Failing to check and replenish these fluids can cause them to be forced through internal seals in your vehicle, which can tear these seals and cause other internal problems.
Fluid Inspections In Chubbuck, Idaho
To keep your fluids at safe levels on Idaho roads this winter, trust Bargain Tire. We can inspect and top off your fluids, change your oil, and make sure your vehicle is running at its absolute best.
Your safety is our priority. We look forward to seeing you at our Chubbuck location!
How To Drive Safely On Winter Roads
It’s a risky time of year to be on the road, but you can be prepared by knowing the potential dangers and how to best handle them. Here are a few tips from the pros at Bargain Tire.
Tips For Driving On Snowy, Icy Roads
Winter weather doesn’t have to keep you off the road. Instead, follow these precautions whenever you’re behind the wheel—especially during cold months.
Always have your seatbelt fastened.
Make it a habit to ensure that yourself and your passengers are safe in case of an accident by buckling up.
Accelerate, drive, and brake slower.
You’ll have better traction and be able to avoid sliding by reducing your speed. Braking slowly can keep your tires from spinning and prevent accidents on wet, icy roads.
Know what to do if your vehicle does slide.
If your tires slide on a slick road, turn your wheel to the direction your back tires are sliding. For example, if your back tires begin sliding to the right, turn your wheel to the right. When your vehicle straightens out, straighten the steering wheel as well.
Remain calm—don’t overcorrect or jerk the steering wheel.
If you do slide or lost traction on winter roads, don’t turn the wheel sharply or slam on the brakes. Slowing and turning the wheel gently can help your tires gain traction and reduce the likelihood of an accident.
Check your brakes regularly.
Keep up with your vehicle’s preventative maintenance—including having your brakes checked and repaired if necessary.
Keep your tires fully inflated at all times.
Proper tire pressure is crucial for safe traction on winter roads. Have your tires checked and/or replaced at Bargain Tire.
Don’t drive with cruise control during winter months.
Cruise control can be a significant hazard in winter driving conditions. Driving without it can help keep you alert, able to respond quickly, and to drive slower.
Keep your gas tank full.
To keep your gas line from freezing and to stay prepared in case of an emergency, don’t let your gas tank drop below half a tank.
Keep your exhaust pipe clear.
Check often for ice, snow, or mud that could be blocking your exhaust pipe. These blockages can cause dangerous carbon monoxide gas leaks.
Winter Vehicle Prep In Chubbuck, Idaho
Bargain Tire proudly serves customers throughout the Chubbuck, Idaho area. Our goal is to keep our community safe on the road through the best vehicle maintenance and repair services in the area.
We look forward to serving you at our Chubbuck, Idaho location!
What Makes Car Batteries Die During The Winter
If your car battery has ever died in the middle of winter, you know how frustrating this can be.
There’s actually a reason why vehicle batteries are more likely to do when it’s cold. Knowing that reason can help you prevent it and know what to do the next time it happens.
What Cold Weather Does To A Vehicle’s Battery
First, it helps to know how car batteries are constructed. Most of them are made up of a plastic case that’s filled with lead plates or “cells”. These cells are soaked in a water/acid mixture. The cells and this mixture reacting chemically is what produces the charge that’s stored inside your vehicle’s battery.
In a process called sulfation, lead sulfate begins to coat these cells as time goes on. This reduces the battery’s ability to hold a full charge. Batteries can also become less effective at holding a charge when they sit for long periods of time without being used.
When temperatures drop during winter months, it slows down the chemical reaction inside the battery. This combined with the liquid mixture evaporating a bit during the summer makes it more likely for your vehicle’s battery to die.
Another factor is that during cold temperatures, more work is required to heat up your oil and get your engine started. It also drains your battery faster when the heater and windshield defroster is used when it’s cold.
The fact that your battery can lose about half its strength during winter combined with vehicles requiring twice as much power to get started makes this time of year especially vulnerable for car batteries.
How To Know If Your Battery Is Dying
Car batteries die all the time with no warning, but it’s possible for you to notice some subtle signs beforehand.
Watch for headlights, taillights, and cab lights that appear more dim or yellow. A rotten egg smell may also be a tell-tale sign that the sulfation process in your battery has advanced. Your electronic units, like the stereo, for example, may not function properly and your engine may be slow to start. Or if your battery is over three years old, it’s a safe assumption that it could die soon.
Car Battery Repair And Installation In Chubbuck, Idaho
If you notice your car battery acting up and want to have someone take a look, or if you need a new one installed, stop by Bargain Tire in Chubbuck, Idaho.
We look forward to having you stop in to see us!
Get Your Vehicle Winter-Ready With This Maintenance Checklist
Now is the time to prepare your vehicle for winter driving! Whether you live in an area that gets a lot of snow or if you’ll just experience a drop in temperature, precautions should be taken each year to help keep you safe on the road and to protect your vehicle during the changing seasons.
Vehicle Maintenance Prior To Winter Driving
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. This simple checklist can be used as your reference when it comes time to get your vehicle winter-ready.
Clean the exterior of the vehicle and apply protective wax.
Wash and wax your vehicle to protect it from salt, sand, snow, and ice that can erode your paint.
Top-off your anti-freeze and keep it full.
Antifreeze helps with—you guessed it—freezing, but also with overheating. It can also prevent corrosion and rust during months when your car comes in contact with more moisture.
Change your oil.
Synthetic oil flows more easily during cold temperatures than conventional oil. This can better protect your engine. Prior to changing the type of oil you use, talk to your local maintenance shop for tips on which type of oil would be best for your vehicle.
Do a battery diagnostic.
Even if your car starts up just fine, it’s still important to check your battery. Cold air puts more of a burden on your vehicle’s starter and can thicken liquid in your battery, making it die faster. You’ll also want to clean any corrosion on the battery or its connective ends.
Check hoses and belts.
Look for leaks, cracks, or bulging in belts and hoses. Replace them if you see any of these signs—no matter how minor.
Check all of your lights.
This includes all exterior lights—headlights, emergency lights, brake lights, turn signals, etc.—and all indoor cab and warning lights.
Replace windshield wiper blades and wiper fluid.
The last thing you want is to be stuck with windshield wiper blades that don’t work effectively during a rain, snow, or sleet storm. Make sure your wiper fluid is full and flows freely with no clogs. It’s also wise to keep an extra bottle of wiper fluid in the back of your vehicle in case of an emergency.
Replace cracked or chipped windshields.
Cracked windshields are more likely to break during a collision or during cold temperature. Cracks can also diminish the effectiveness of your windshield defroster. Replace cracked or chipped windshields as soon as possible.
Examine tires and switch them if needed.
Have your tires examined by a local tire professional to ensure they’re in good shape for safe driving? These pros can also swap out your tires for snow tires if necessary.
Continue monitoring your vehicle during cold weather.
Throughout the winter season, check your tire pressure each week and go through the car wash to remove salt and sand from your vehicle’s exterior.
Bargain Tire In Chubbuck, Idaho Can Get Your Vehicle Ready For Winter
It’s wise to consult with a vehicle maintenance professional when preparing for winter. Stop by Bargain tire in Chubbuck, Idaho for all of your vehicle maintenance and winter-prep needs.
Check out these services we offer to keep your vehicle running at it’s best!
Why You Shouldn’t Drive With A Cracked Windshield
With the long list of to-do’s on our lists, it can seem easy to put off regular maintenance on our vehicles. However, having your vehicle serviced regularly is more important than you might realize—especially when it comes to catching safety hazards.
Driving with a cracked windshield is one of the most common repairs that people put off—but it’s also one of the most dangerous.
Why Driving With A Cracked Windshield Is Risky
Sure, a cracked windshield might not seem like a big deal. There are many repairs and routine services that may be a higher priority. But here’s why you should think twice before putting off repairing your cracked windshield.
Danger During a Collision
Getting in a head-on collision or a rollover accident is serious no matter what—but a cracked windshield can bring added problems.
A windshield is more likely to shatter in a collision if it’s cracked, putting you and your passengers at greater risk of injury from the broken glass. If seat belts aren’t worn, passengers are also more likely to be thrown from the vehicle through a shattered windshield.
Here’s something you may not consider: a shattered windshield can also affect airbag deployment during a collision. An intact windshield actually stops the airbag and pushes it toward the driver or passenger. But if the glass isn’t there to stop it, the airbag can inflate out of the opening. This leaves you completely unprotected.
Dirt and Moisture
This one is pretty self-explanatory. A cracked windshield allows soil and moisture to make its way into your car. This not only causes problems for your interior but can actually make the crack spread more rapidly.
Impaired Visibility
This is probably the most significant risk of driving with a cracked windshield. Even if you think a crack in your windshield doesn’t affect your vision, it can block things from your view or cause distractions when you least expect it. Is it really worth putting yourself, your passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians at risk?
You Can Get A Ticket
Driving with a cracked windshield is actually a ticketable offense—meaning if a cop sees you, you could get pulled over. This is because anything that can put you or other drivers on the road is serious, so there are consequences put in place.
Routine Maintenance Can Help
During your regular tune-ups, ask your local car repair shop to examine your windshield. They can either take care of your windshield in-house or refer you to a trusted local expert to repair or replace it for you.
Trust your local Bargain Tire store to take care of your routine maintenance in Chubbuck, Idaho.
9 Simple Tricks To Get Better Gas Mileage
The cost of gasoline is constantly changing—especially in the summer months when you do the most driving. Don’t let high gas prices stop you from checking destinations off of your summer road trip list! Instead, get more out of your tank with these proven ways to increase gas mileage.
How To Increase Your Gas Mileage
Accelerate and brake gently.
Increasing speed quickly requires more work from your engine. Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you to help avoid sudden braking. Try to accelerate at a slow and steady pace. Avoid abrupt stops, and aim for rolling stops instead.
Utilize your cruise control.
This will make it so you don’t have to accelerate or brake as often, which increases the efficiency of your gas.
Use the right type of fuel.
You’ll get the best performance from your engine if you use your vehicle’s recommended fuel type. Find out if your car is safe with cheap unleaded gas or if it’s a high-performance vehicle that requires higher octane gas.
Check your gas cap seal.
If your gas cap isn’t tight or has started to wear out, oxygen leaks into the gas tank. When the oxygen flows through your engine, it’s required to burn more gas. Make sure you tighten your gas cap all the way when you fill up and replace it periodically as the rubber seal breaks down. Replacement gas caps are cheap at auto parts stores and dealerships.
Use only the recommended type of motor oil.
Check your owner’s manual for the correct type of oil for your vehicle, and stick to it. Not using the proper oil can create too much friction in your engine, reducing gas mileage.
Reduce excess weight.
Think of it this way— when you’re on a long hike, the heavier your pack, the more your heart pumps and the more tired you get. The same is true for your car. Increased weight puts more strain on your engine and reduces your gas mileage.
Keep tires inflated.
Driving with low tire pressure increases the rolling resistance of your tires on the ground. Keeping your tires inflated to the correct pressure will impact your gas mileage more than just about anything else.
Avoid long periods of idling.
Did you know that when idling, your engine still consumes about a half gallon to a gallon of fuel each hour? If you’re waiting for long periods of time, turn off your car. If you’re used to letting your car warm up in the morning before you start driving, it may be time to invest in some heated seats. You can even try turning your engine off when stopped at red lights.
Replace your air filter regularly.
Think of the bag on a vacuum cleaner. When it gets full, the machine doesn’t function very efficiently. The same is true for your vehicle. Ask professionals at your regular oil change if your air filter needs replaced. Make it part of your routine to have a clean air filter so your engine can burn gas more efficiently.
Check Your Vehicle Efficiently With Regular Tune Ups
Preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure you’re getting the best gas mileage possible. Professionals can check your air filter, tire pressure, oil, brakes, and more at your regular tune up. We can catch any issues and repair them for you so you can get back on the road fast.
Let the pro’s at Bargain Tire in Chubbuck, Idaho take care of all of your vehicle repair needs.
Check out our latest coupons and specials to save big on services for your vehicle!
6 Tips For The Perfect Road Trip
Summer is here and it's time to take that long-awaited, and much needed vacation. Which calls for a... ROAD TRIP! Before you hop into the car and start your adventure, check out these tips so you are as prepared as you can be!
1. See Your Route On Google Maps
Planning is an important part of a road trip. That being said, don't have a plan that is so set in stone that you miss out on the adventure of the trip. Have a route that is from point A to B, leaving room for detours and other site seeing. Check Google Maps so you have an idea of how long the travel time will be, roads that might be close, and maybe get an idea of a couple sites that may be off the beaten path.
2. The Vehicle
Depending on whether you are headed to the mountains or the beach, you may want to consider finding a vehicle that will match the terrain you will be driving on. If it's a short trip, do some research and see if renting a car may be the best option. This will save you from putting the miles on your own vehicle, retaining its value. Be sure to check the status of your tires, fluids, and lights to make sure all are in working order. If you don't feel comfortable doing this checkup, have the professionals and Bargain Tire of Chubbuck, ID do it for you!
3. Music
One of the best compliments to the open road and the snacks is the music. Compiling your favorite songs and nice feel-good music will boost the moods and you hit the desolate areas of the trip. If you get sick of music, another good way to help some of the time passes is to listen to an audiobook.
4. The Locals Know Best
As you pass through small towns, ask the locals for their advice. They will be able to give you the best advice for food, lodging, and sites to see. If you are lucky, you may even find a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that quickly becomes your favorite of all time.
5. Book Ahead
If you know when you are going to reach your destination, and you know that you want to see a certain attraction, then book your entry in advance. Booking in advance will save you time and possibly missing out on if it sells out. Saving as much time for things like this will give you the chance to maximize your vacation.
6. Be Safe
Do adequate research before you leave and familiarize yourself with the route, geographical area, culture, currency differences, and weather. Pack accordingly, make sure your A/C is working, give family and friends a heads up on where you are going and simply be smart!!
Have your vehicle checked out by the professionals at Bargain Tire, to ensure that your vehicle is ready to take on the open road. Schedule your appointment today.
10 Simple Summer Car Care Tips
As the weather warms up, your vehicle may show signs of a needed tune-up. With more travel for vacation or visiting family, means more chances your car could break down and leave you stranded. This list will help prevent possible car troubles as you're out and about. Keep your car in tip-top shape.
1. Coolant System
Your engine needs to stay as cool as you. Check the level of coolant fluid, the condition of the hoses and also the coolant reservoir. Make sure that the fluid is topped off and the condition of the hoses are good. It’s a good idea to have a small container of coolant in the emergency bag in your trunk. Keep an eye out for leaks as you go through the summer months.
2. Engine Belts
The belts found in your engine can degrade, become noisy, loose or even break. Making sure that these belts are in good conditions. Also, make sure that they haven't become loose and have the right amount of tension. If you start to see cracks, ware, and missing pieces, it's time to replace them.
3. Wipers
Summer rainstorms are most times always welcomed. But not so much when your wipers are worn and not doing their job, making it almost impossible to see out your windshield. Worn wipers create streaks across the windshield affecting your ability to see and drive safely. Wiper replacements are fairly inexpensive and easy to switch out without a professional's hand. However, sometimes auto maintenance shops will sell you the wipers and install them for free.
4. Other Essential Fluids
Your engine uses all sorts of fluids to ensure it runs correctly and smoothly. These fluids include oil, brake, power-steering and windshield-washer fluid. Check these fluids often. If you don't know where to check these fluids, ask your favorite automotive shop to show you. Check oil, brake, power-steering and windshield-washer fluids regularly. Also, be sure that as you check these fluids throughout different areas of the engine, to keep an eye out for other irregularities.
5. Air-Conditioning System
Having a working air-conditioning in your vehicle is a must. After a tough winter, your A/C may not be working at its best. Older A/C systems may be leaking Freon which isn't good for the atmosphere of your car. You can find many options for leak-sealing products stores. If this doesn't seem to help, there could be a bigger problem which may be looked at by a qualified mechanic.
6. Air Filter
This time of year is a good time to check your engines air filter. If you haven't checked it through the fall, winter and spring months, you may find leaves, pollens and all other sorts of outdoor debris clogging the filter. You could try to clean it or it might be easiest to buy a new one.
7. Tires
The condition of your tires should be checked throughout the year including regular rotations. Making sure the air pressure, tire threads, and side walls are all in good condition is important. No cracks, no uneven wear, good tread depth, and good sidewall condition are all considered when evaluating if a tire is in good condition. If you think that the condition of your tires may affect the safety of you and your family, consider purchasing a new set of tires. Also, make sure that your spare tire is in equally good condition.
8. Dashboard Sunshade
Your dashboard sees a lot of suns. Using a sunshade while your car is parked can protect your dashboard from the damaging sun as well as keeping the interior of your vehicle cooler. The ultraviolet rays of the sun change the color of the dashboard over time. You could also consider purchasing a sunshade for your rear window, protecting the tops the and rear dash.
9. Clean the Car
Keeping your car clean during the fall and winter months is difficult. Dirt is easily tracked into the vehicle with wet shoes. Dust begins to settle throughout the car as we neglect to clean the interior. This dust settles on the inside of the windshield making it difficult to see out when the sun hits it just right. Clean the inside of your vehicle as often as possible. This preserves the conditions of your seats and floors as well as keeping your windows safe to look out of. Don't stop with the inside. Clean the exterior of your vehicle preserving your paint and your shiny wheels. Finish the car wash was a good waxing.
10. Driver and Passengers
Road trips are a good opportunity to bond with family and friends as well as seeing the sites of the world. Be sure that you are well stocked with drinks and snacks. Organize your trip ahead of time to maximize your time spent on vacation. Make a list of everything you're going to need. For example sunglasses, games, snacks, blankets, books and anything else that will make you better prepared. Be sure to pack an emergency kit to be placed in our truck; which should include water, flashlight, light snacks, flares, radio, and any other emergency preparedness items.
To make things easier, call Discount Tire Co. and schedule an appointment and we will look over your vehicle and make sure you and your family are safe. We are willing and able to make sure you're prepared to have a great summer!
