How To Prepare My Vehicle For The Changing Seasons?
With the extreme weather conditions in the Tri-Cities, Walla Walla, Yakima, and Hermiston, proactive maintenance can save you thousands over the lifetime of your vehicle.
Preparation for Fall and Winter
- One of the most important steps for getting your car ready for snow and ice is checking your tires. It is starting to get cold and that little light keeps coming on. This is usually not a problem, but it is very important to make sure your tires are properly inflated. The quick changes in temperature do tend to create small fluctuations in pressure (See Tire Pressure Monitoring System below.) Additionally, your tire tread depth and condition will be more important than ever. The worn tread may pass in the summer, but with ice and snow your stopping power is significantly reduced. The best case scenario is to put on a pair of winter tires. It is important to note that All-Season tires are not the same as winter tires. Winter tires do so much for your ability to stop, turn, and get going in winter conditions. We can assist in advising if your tires are up to the challenge and what tires are recommended for your vehicle when necessary.
- After wiping away all those bugs, you may want to replace those tattered wiper blades. You do not want to get stuck in a snow storm or icy conditions with no wiper blades. Wiper blade replacement is a simple and affordable safety update for your vehicle.
- Batteries can also be a big concern as temperatures drop. Extreme cold can put a great deal of stress on your battery. Plus many generic batteries are not rated properly for the freezing conditions we get in the Tri-Cities. That explains why cars always seem to have trouble starting when people are in the freezing cold. (It's a cliché for a reason.) If you have any questions even if your battery is fairly new, we are more than happy to perform a free battery test. Our goal is that you never hear that click-click-click in the middle of a snowstorm. We highly recommend a preemptive battery check going into the winter.
Preparation for Spring and Summer
- After a rough winter, you may want to replace those tattered wiper blades. You do not want to get stuck in a spring shower or be plastered by bugs and debris without a fresh pair of wiper blades. Wiper blade replacement is a simple and affordable safety update for your vehicle.
- Do you have allergies or concerns about air quality? Replacing your air filter with a high quality HEPA filter can make a huge difference the HVAC systems performance and the air you breathe. Breathe easy by replacing your air filter. In the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas, dust and dirt can quickly build up and allow pollutants into your vehicles cabin.
- With 100 degree plus temperatures looming around the corner, do not get stuck in the heat. Is there a worse feeling then driving down the hot asphalt without any relief? We have you covered with a certified Air Condition service . We will test your HVAC system for proper cooling operation, inspect hoses and connections for leaks, and clean condenser fins.
Take a few easy steps to keep your vehicle running smoothly this spring/summer.
 Is This Indicator On?
When your tire pressure warning light comes on please exercise caution. This means that one or more of your tires may be at least 25% below recommended inflation pressure. Best practice is to visually inspect each tire before driving the vehicle and check each individual tire pressure if possible. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure of each tire against the manufacturer's recommended pressure level. The recommended pressure level can be found on the tire placard, a label located just inside the driver's door. If you are not having a blow out and are uncomfortable with checking the tire pressure on your own, proceed with caution to have your tire pressure checked by a professional tire technician. The tires will need to be filled to the proper placard tire pressure, either with the help of your nearest tire service center or by using a tire air supply at a nearby filling station. If necessary, have any damaged tires as well as the TPMS system serviced as soon as possible at your nearest tire service center.
If you see this light don't panic. Pull off to a safe area to visually check that you do not have a flat. If everything looks okay, swing in and we will check your pressure or find the nearest air pressure gage to ensure proper inflation.
At McCurley Honda, there is no appointment necessary whether you are out of town from Walla Walla, Yakima, or Hermiston; just drop in to have your tires inspected and tire pressures set to the placard recommendation. Please, do not hesitate to come and see us for this tire pressure warning light! The safety and reliability of your vehicle is our priority. Drive safely.
