Get Your Vehicle Winter-Ready with Team Ryan Automotive's 9-Point Checklist As the leaves change color and the air grows crisp, it's time to start thinking about preparing your car for the upcoming winter weather. At Team Ryan Automotive, our ASE Master Technicians know that a little preventative maintenance can go a long way in ensuring your vehicle is ready to face the challenges of the colder months. We've put together a comprehensive 9-point checklist to help you avoid the inconvenience and expense of a breakdown during severe weather. 1. Battery and Charging System: Cold weather can be particularly hard on your car's battery. Have your battery and charging system checked by our experts to ensure optimal performance and reliable starts all winter long. 2. Cooling System: To protect your engine from freezing temperatures, we recommend cleaning, flushing, and replacing your antifreeze every two years. Our technicians can service your cooling system to ensure it’s in top shape for the winter ahead. Engine Coolant or Anti-Freeze almost never loses its “anti-freezing“ability, it’s the rust inhibitors that “wear out.” This can lead to corrosion in the cooling system, leaks, and component failure. The routine cooling system service will help to prevent this from happening. 3. Heating, Defrosting, and Wipers: Properly functioning heaters, defrosters, and wipers are essential for maintaining visibility and comfort during the colder months. Consider upgrading to new wiper blades. Remember, wiper blades should generally be replaced every six months. 4. Tires: Check your tire tread depth and pressure to ensure proper traction on slippery roads. If you live in an area prone to snow and ice, consider investing in special winter tires designed to grip slick surfaces. During the winter, make sure to check your tire pressure weekly. Our team can include this as part of your regular winter check-up. 5. Oil and Filter Changes: Stay diligent about changing your oil and filter at the recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. During your routine oil service , our technicians will also check your air and transmission fluid. 6. Tune-Up: If your vehicle is due for a tune-up, have it done before winter sets in. Cold weather can magnify existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance, or rough idling. A pre-winter tune-up will help ensure your car runs smoothly all season long. 7. Brakes: Your vehicle's braking system is its most important safety feature. Let our experts inspect your brakes to ensure they're in top condition and ready to handle the challenges of winter driving. 8. Exhaust System: Carbon monoxide leaks can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are typically closed. Let our technicians inspect your exhaust system to identify and fix any potential leaks, keeping you and your passengers safe. 9. Lights: Proper lighting is crucial for visibility during the shorter days and longer nights of winter. Our team will check your exterior and interior lights and ensure your headlights are properly aimed for optimal illumination. Bonus Tip: Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times to reduce the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and potentially freezing. It's also a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your trunk, including an ice scraper, snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blanket, extra clothes, candles/matches, bottled water, dry food snacks, and any necessary medication. Did You Know? At Team Ryan Automotive, we check all 9 of these recommended items, as well as the tire pressure on your spare, with every oil service. Schedule your service today and experience our commitment to your safety and peace of mind. Don’t let winter weather catch you off guard. By following our 9-point checklist and trusting the experts at Team Ryan Automotive, you can ensure your vehicle is ready to face the colder months with confidence. Remember, a little preventative maintenance goes a long way in avoiding the inconvenience and expense of a breakdown during severe weather. Schedule your winter check-up today or contact us with any questions. At Team Ryan Automotive, we're here to help you stay safe and warm on the road this winter.

How to Help Prevent 4 Common Cold Weather Battery Issues: Essential Tips for Reliable Performance Cold weather can put your vehicle’s battery to the ultimate test. As temperatures drop, your battery’s performance can be significantly impacted, leaving you stranded when you least expect it. Knowing how to prevent common cold weather battery issues is crucial to keeping your car starting and running smoothly all winter long. Why Does Cold Weather Affect Your Battery? Cold weather slows the chemical reactions inside your car’s battery, reducing its ability to generate power. Add thicker engine oil to the mix, and your battery works even harder to get your vehicle started on those frigid mornings. The good news? A little proactive care can make a big difference. Regularly checking your battery’s health, ensuring clean and secure connections, and keeping it fully charged are key steps to preventing winter breakdowns. At Team Ryan Automotive, we care about your safety and convenience. Here are essential tips to ensure your battery delivers reliable performance during the cold months. Key Tips for Maintaining Battery Health This Winter 1. Inspect and Test Your Battery Regularly Perform monthly visual checks to spot signs of corrosion, wear, or loose connections. Corroded terminals and damaged cables can severely impact performance, especially in colder temperatures. Voltage Testing: Use a multimeter to check your battery’s charge. A healthy battery should read 12.6 volts when fully charged. Pro Tip: Test your battery under load (while operating) to identify weak cells before they fail. If your battery is several years old, consider replacing it proactively to avoid unexpected breakdowns. 2. Follow Smart Charging Practices Cold weather drains batteries faster, so keeping them charged is essential. Invest in a smart charger that prevents overcharging and ensures your battery remains in peak condition. Never attempt to charge a frozen battery—it can lead to ruptures or even explosions. Warm the battery safely to room temperature before charging. 3. Protect Your Battery with Insulation Insulation is your battery’s best friend in winter. Battery Blankets: Electrically powered wraps keep your battery warm and operational, even in sub-zero temperatures. Insulation Sleeves: Foam or rubber sleeves add a layer of protection against extreme cold and physical damage. Proper insulation reduces the risk of freezing, keeping your battery ready for action no matter the weather. Simple Preventive Measures to Boost Battery Performance Strategic Parking Tips Where and how you park your vehicle can make a surprising difference during cold weather. Garage It : Always aim to park in a garage or covered area to shield your vehicle from harsh elements. Facing East: If outdoor parking is unavoidable, park your car facing the east to let the morning sun naturally warm up the engine. Use a Car Cover: A car cover limits exposure to snow and ice, maintaining a stable temperature for your battery and engine. Troubleshooting Common Battery Issues Jump-Starting 101 If your battery dies, jump-starting it can get you back on the road quickly: Park a working vehicle close to the dead one (without the cars touching). Connect jumper cables: Positive to positive (+) and negative (-) to a metal surface on the engine block of the dead car. Start the working vehicle, let it run for a few minutes, then start the dead vehicle. Pro Tip: Always disconnect the cables in reverse order and avoid contact with moving parts. Regular maintenance can help prevent these situations altogether. When to Seek Professional Help If your battery consistently underperforms or won’t hold a charge, it’s time to visit Team Ryan Automotive. Warning signs like flickering lights or clicking sounds during ignition may indicate deeper electrical or charging system issues, such as a failing alternator. Our experts perform comprehensive diagnostic and testing procedures to find and resolve issues, ensuring your vehicle stays reliable. Stay Ahead with Team Ryan Automotive Don’t let cold weather catch you off guard. At Team Ryan Automotive, we offer professional battery inspections, testing, and replacement services to keep your vehicle winter-ready. From identifying early warning signs to delivering expert solutions, we’re here to help. Schedule your winter vehicle checkup today and drive with confidence this season!