Admit it. We have been pretty spoiled the last couple winters here in Alexandria, MN. We've definitely seen colder winters and deeper snows in our history. How do you know when we're going to get hit hard again? Is this the dreaded year? And more importantly, is your vehicle ready for what's in store? Have you ever been stranded with a dead battery, or stuck in a ditch with a -40 windchill? If you haven't, consider yourself lucky - and knock on wood it doesn't ever happen. The GM certified service staff here at Diamond Buick GMC just wanted to share some tips and tricks with you to keep you safe and sound this winter.
PREPARE FOR THE WORST: First and foremost, just be prepared. Pack a "winter survival kit" You may want to include some high calorie food, a first aid kit, heavy blanket, bright piece of cloth for visibility, flashlight, tow rope, jumper cables, and an emergency tool with a seat-belt cutter/window breaker.
Winter months are the worst for carbon monoxide poisoning, both inside the home and in vehicles or fish houses. Should you find yourself in the ditch, do not become a victim! Shut your car off if the tailpipe is covered with snow and you cannot keep it cleared of snow or ice. Stay warm with body heat and blankets you’ve got packed in your winter emergency kit. You can run your car to stay warm, but only run it about 15 minutes every hour to conserve on fuel. If you are in a desolate area with no visible traffic, remain with your vehicle until you see help arrive.
BATTERY CHECK: "My car won't start. When I turn the key, it just goes CLICK!" Why must it fail on the day it's 10 degrees out? FRUSTRATING! Before it gets down to the last minute, please bring your vehicle in for us to test it! If it is on the verge of failure, we can replace it with an ACDELCO Advantage or Professional battery. And starting December 1st through the end of the year, you can get a $10 mail-in rebate on one of these batteries.
REPLACE YOUR WIPER BLADES: If you have problems with your wipers in rain, you know it's only going to get worse with snow, ice and sleet. You're really putting yourself and others in danger if you can't see out your windshield.
VEHICLE INSPECTION: Another important step you should take before old man winter hits, is to have your vehicle checked over thoroughly. When you schedule service here at Diamond Buick GMC, you will also get peace of mind with a free multi-point vehicle inspection performed by one of our factory trained technicians. This multi-point inspection includes a check of your brakes, tires, wiper blades, fluid levels, battery and more to ensure that your vehicle is running at peak efficiency.
OIL CHANGE: Before you go over the river and through the woods, when is the last time your oil has been changed? You will get a free vehicle inspection with our oil change routine. Not only that, but if your GM vehicle is in need of an oil change right now, through Dec 31st, you also get a $5 coupon when you schedule online.
TIRES: Some accidents can't be avoided, but if you have the right tires, it could make a huge difference in your winter driving experience. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have good tread to get you through the winter snow and ice. We DO check your tires as part of our free maintenance program, and carry many tires here. For your convenience, you may also shop tire selection online and the new ones will generally arrive here the next business day.
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