It might seem like it’s still too warm outside in Northwest Arkansas to be thinking about winter, but there’s been a chill in the air in Fayetteville in the mornings. Since the school year has started, and we’re in the last few months of 2021, Lewis Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM is here to remind you of some of the services our Service Department can offer so that your vehicle is prepped and ready for the winter weather BEFORE it gets here! We have a Service Department at our Jeep dealership in Fayetteville, AR full of factory-trained technicians here to help get you and your vehicle ready for the next season. Here’s a few tips on things to take care of before the winter weather starts in Arkansas:
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Get an oil change - This regular maintenance task doesn’t immediately spring to mind when thinking about winter, but this is the perfect time to switch from conventional oil to synthetic if you haven’t already (if this is a viable option for your vehicle). Starting your vehicle in cold weather is easier on your engine with full-synthetic oil. It flows more easily at low temperatures and you skip the warm-up time, so your engine’s moving parts get instant protection as you start driving. You can also ask about a synthetic blend as an option, which is a mix of the naturally occurring conventional oil along with synthetic oils.
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Protect your vehicle’s exterior - This would be a great time to scrub off some of the buildup on your car’s exterior and apply a high quality car wax. This helps to protect your paint job from the upcoming snow and road salt that can be caustic to your vehicle’s exterior. While this is not technically something involved with servicing a vehicle, you can feel free to ask your Service Advisor about any additional vehicle detailing specials we have running through our Fayetteville location.
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Make sure you have visibility - You want to be able to see where you’re going whenever you’re driving, but especially in inclement weather! Check your lights first, and if your headlights or tail lights are dim or yellow, you’ll want the bulbs replaced and the lenses cleaned. It’s a great time to replace your windshield wipers, and you can even specify you need winter blades which are made for better clearing ice and snow from your windshield. De-icing fluid in the windshield washer tank can also help tremendously.
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Maintain your car’s battery - It’s a common trend that batteries tend to fail in the winter. Summer heat tends to take a toll on vehicle batteries, so when the temps cool down, you’re stuck with a car that won’t start. We can test your battery at your Lewis Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM service appointment to determine its charge, and whether it’s time for a replacement.
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Check your antifreeze - This is one of your most important chemicals to check before winter weather hits and the temperature plummets. It’s mixed with water within your vehicle’s cooling system, and keeps that water from freezing, expanding, and causing expensive engine damage. Our technicians can measure the strength and levels of antifreeze in your engine, as well as check your coolant reservoir level, and make sure you’ve got proper levels in place.
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Inspect your tires - Traction is incredibly important, especially on wet or icy roads. You’ll want a new set of tires if your tread depth isn’t sufficient (the minimum for safe handling is 3/32). It’s always hard to tell just how much snow we can expect in NWA each year, but be sure to ask about snow tires as an option. Once you’ve got your new tires installed, be sure to check your tire pressure regularly to make sure you’re not under-inflated from the cold and cause unnecessary wear and tear.
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Prepare your diesel engine - Diesel fuel lines have a tendency to ‘gel’ up in the winter time, which is not something you want! Ask our Service Advisors about any additives we can implement to keep this from happening. We can also check your diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) levels and alert system to make sure your DEF levels aren’t exhausted.
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Check your radiator cap - A radiator cap is a small and inexpensive part, but it plays a critical role in your heating and cooling system. It keeps the antifreeze in your vehicle, and keeps your entire cooling system pressurized. You’ll want to check the cap for any signs of leaking fluid, and if it’s several years old, it’s probably time to just replace it. The few dollars you invest will be worth the peace of mind and performance you’ll get back.
Whether you’ve just purchased a new 2021 Jeep Wrangler from us, or you’ve been driving your vehicle for a while, it’s important to make sure all the parts are in perfect shape so you can stay safe on the NWA roads this winter. Lewis Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM is here to help you get where you need to be, and you can call our Service Department at (479)316-6335 during business hours to set up your appointment with us. You can also visit our online Service Scheduling tool and we’ll get you set up from there! Our friendly and knowledgeable Service Advisors will be happy to get your vehicle’s maintenance done right, and help you with any questions. We look forward to helping you get your vehicle cold weather ready!
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