It’s a high probability we won’t receive any snow in Clearwater, FL this winter, but that doesn’t mean our vehicles are automatically prepared for everything Mother Nature throws our way. If you’re a native Floridian you already know; when it rains, it pours. Roads in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo, and Tampa, FL are going to be slick. Here are the top 5 ways you can not only prepare your car for winter but avoid accidents and stay safe as a result.
Get Serious
First of all, SLOW DOWN! Give yourself enough room to stop at all times by traveling at appropriate speeds, keeping a good distance behind the vehicle in front of you and taking your turns a little slower than you normally would. Second – schedule an appointment to have your brakes inspected by a certified technician. They may need to be replaced.
Tread It Up
Unfortunately, those shiny new brakes won’t be much help if your tires are bald. If you replace them, it’s always best to get all four tires at once. And no – this isn’t something mechanics suggest simply to get you to spend more money. We’ve found the best place to buy new tires is typically a car dealership – not the all “all tire” places. The service and parts department at Crown Acura in Clearwater usually has the lowest prices in Pinellas County.
Don’t Get Hosed
Have your antifreeze checked to avoid freezing all of the important hoses under your hood. If it gets too low, you’ll expose your engine and radiator to freezing temperatures as well. This is a super easy, inexpensive tip to avoid a mechanical catastrophe. Major repairs are the last thing any of us budget for during the holiday season.
Lookout for Cats & Dogs
Replace your windshield wiper blades before the Florida winter storms hit – not the moment you realize it’s raining cats and dogs and you can’t see the road. Poor visibility when it rains is a serious safety issue for drivers across the entire southeast. If you’re planning on heading north for a road trip during the holiday season, consider buying a special set of winter blades and de-icing windshield washer fluid. You can find both at Crown Acura in Clearwater, FL.
Keep Going, and Going, and Going…
Drivers in Clearwater should definitely have their car battery tested by a certified auto technician. This is one of the easiest, quickest tips to prep your car for winter that can save you from the unpleasant surprise of a dead battery. Because you know if it’s going to happen, chances are it won’t be close to your home.
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