Unbelievably, 90% of car owners don’t have first aid supplies in their cars. Furthermore, only about 35% carry an emergency tool kit. Yet, harsh winter weather conditions affect your tire pressure, battery, and rubber parts sometimes leaving you stranded. Moreover, keeping a winter emergency car kit may help you get back on the road quicker. Additionally, emergency supplies can keep you comfortable while waiting for assistance.

Of course, the best way to avoid a breakdown is by properly maintaining your car. What’s more, Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville can handle all of your vehicle’s needs.

What To Include In A Winter Emergency Car Kit

North Carolina has many low populated areas and over 70,000 miles of rural roads. Darkened country roads and icy conditions make a hazardous combination. Add unreliable, spotty cellphone reception and you may have a disastrous situation.

Keeping a well-stocked winter emergency car kit can make a horrible circumstance bearable. Some items in your kit may even be able to help you continue on your way:

• Hand warmers
• Ice scraper
• A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench, and jack
• Jumper cables
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Reflective triangles
• Fire extinguisher
• Duct tape
• Car charger for your cell phone
• Reflective vest
• Rain poncho
• First aid kit
• Drinking water
• Nonperishable, high-energy foods
• Compass
• Tool kit
• Cat litter
• Blanket
• Folding snow shovel

Although the inclusion of some of these items may seem obvious, others may seem more questionable. For example, you may doubt the importance of duct tape. However, this product is weather-resistant, waterproof, and adhesive. It can temporarily patch a radiator hose or secure broken parts.

Indeed, you can find a multitude of prepackaged roadside emergency kits. However, most assembled options are missing one or two important items. If you choose to buy a kit, be sure to supplement with the necessary additional things.

Tips For Driving In Winter Weather

Certainly, if possible, it’s always advisable to stay home during hazardous driving conditions. However, sometimes you have a vital reason for venturing out. Adopting safe winter weather driving habits can help avoid accidents:

• Clean snow and frost off all windows, lights, mirrors, and reflectors
• Don’t use your cruise control
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly
• Increase your following distance
• Make turns slowly and gradually

Sometimes, you can prevent skidding by cautious driving. However, if you do find yourself skidding on an icy patch, don’t panic and avoid sudden braking. Gently, turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the car to go. Usually, the wheels will grip the road again and your vehicle will start to steer again.

Prepare Your Car For Winter Driving

Undeniably, maintaining your automobile all year round is essential for optimal performance and efficiency. Yet, harsh winter conditions make maintenance tasks even more crucial. Freezing temperatures can affect the function of many car parts.

For example, you may find your car hard to start due to reduced battery capacity. Additionally, cold weather makes engine fluids more viscous. Thick engine oil can also prevent your car from starting. Moreover, viscous transmission fluid may cause delayed shifts in your gears.

Furthermore, tire pressure drops as the mercury falls. Low tire pressure can affect your car’s stability making your vehicle harder to control. Often, braking is much slower and steering becomes problematic.

In addition, windshield wipers and fluid are crucial for keeping your field of vision clear when driving in a storm. Old wipers can cause streaking and smearing making it difficult to see.

How do you know what maintenance tasks your car needs? Bring your vehicle down to Xpress Lube and we’ll take a look at your car. Our ASE-certified technicians can help you keep your automobile running great.

Beware Of Briny Roads

Usually, before a winter storm, municipalities spray brine on the road to prevent ice from bonding to the pavement. Many DOTs use brine because it stays on the road better than rock salt. While brine, a mixture of salt and water, is good for roadways, it can cause serious damage to your car.

When you drive over briny roadways, it sprays up into the underside of your car. If you don’t remove the brine, it will slowly rust your undercarriage. The exhaust system, muffler, fuel, and gas lines are particularly susceptible to corrosion.

Of course, as you go through our Xpress Turbo Car Wash, we’ll remove all that nasty brine. We use professional-grade products that are tough on dirt and gentle on your car. Plus, we recycle our water at a higher percentage than our competition.

For your convenience, we offer multiple packages with varying options. Whether you need our standard service or special cleaning treatment, we have a plan for you. Moreover, we offer both pay-as-you-go and monthly plans to meet your needs.

FAQs About Winter Car Maintenance

Often, the best way to avoid a breakdown is to properly maintain your car. Yet, maintenance schedules can vary by vehicle and product. To help you, we’ve answered some of our most commonly asked questions.

What Is The Most Important Maintenance Task For My Vehicle?

Basically, all required maintenance is crucial for the safety and efficiency of your vehicle. Many neglected parts of your car can contribute to a breakdown.

Your vehicle’s owner’s manual contains specific schedules for changing particular components. Moreover, our technicians can inspect your automobile and make recommendations. We’re a full-service auto repair and maintenance shop servicing both domestic and foreign cars and trucks.

Can I Stop By Anytime?

While we love to take walk-ins, we understand your time is valuable. If you’re in a hurry, we recommend you make an appointment.

What Are Your Hours?

For your convenience, Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville is open Monday-Friday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM. On Saturdays, we’re open 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Additionally, our car wash is also open Sundays from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

It’s easy to schedule an appointment! Just call us at 336-993-7697 to book your time.