How to Winterize Your Car

Winter is nearly here, bringing with it the challenge of ensuring your vehicle is ready for the cold weather. For starters, tire pressure and tread are critically affected by temperature variations, making it important to ensure all tires are properly inflated and tread depth is sufficient. Additionally, an oil change is also paramount as wintertime can often bring excess strain on motor oil’s ability to protect parts of the engine. But there is a lot more to prepping your ride for the winter climate.

Continue reading to learn how to winterize your car in preparation for the cold ahead.

For Trusted Winter Auto Service in Carmel Indiana, Call 317-571-0800 Today!
For Trusted Winter Auto Service in Carmel Indiana, Call 317-571-0800 Today!

What You Need to Know About Winterizing Your Vehicle

Here are some tips on how to winterize your car and make sure it’s ready for the snow and ice:

1. Start With a Car Care Check-Up: A good car care check-up can ensure your car is in top condition for the winter. Have your car serviced regularly, including oil changes and tire rotations, to make sure everything is running smoothly and efficiently.

2. Change Your Tires: Make sure your tires are suitable for winter conditions. If you live in an area with snow and ice, invest in a set of quality winter tires or snow chains to ensure your car has the best grip possible.

3. Check Your Battery: Cold weather can take its toll on car batteries, so make sure yours is up to the task. Have it tested by a professional auto service technician and replace it if necessary.

4. Top Up Fluids: Keep your car running smoothly by topping up oil, coolant, washer fluid, antifreeze, etc. Check your owner’s manual for the correct type of fluids to use in each situation.

5. Have an Emergency Kit Ready: It’s always a good idea to carry an emergency kit with you in case of breakdowns or other problems. Keep things like jumper cables, flashlights, blankets, and snacks in the car at all times.

6. Get Scheduled Auto Service. To truly ensure maximum efficiency during the chilliest of months, a comprehensive vehicle checkup should be scheduled at your preferred repair shop. Taking heed of these basic preventative maintenance steps can go a long way in keeping your car poised for success when winter finally arrives.

These tips can help ensure your car is ready for winter weather conditions. Regular maintenance and car care will go a long way towards keeping you safe and sound during the cold winter months. Don’t forget, it’s always a good idea to read your owner’s manual for specific winter car care tips that may be relevant to your vehicle.

Carmel Indiana Auto Repair and Maintenance

Autohaus Dierolf offers exceptional European and German auto repair and maintenance services in Carmel, Indiana. Our German-factory trained mechanics specialize in servicing all makes and models of European and German vehicles, providing peace of mind knowing that your car is being cared for by knowledgeable professionals. Contact us at 317-571-0800 today and experience the Dierolf Difference! Let us make you a customer for life.

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How to Use a Scissor Jack to Change a Tire

If you’ve ever found yourself stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, you know how frustrating it can be. But changing a tire is actually a pretty simple process, as long as you have the right tools. One of the most important tools you’ll need is a scissor jack. Continue below to learn how to use a compact scissor jack to lift your vehicle high enough off of the ground to change your flat tire out with a spare or new tire.

Get European Tire Service in Carmel Indiana! Call 317-571-0800 for a free quote!
Get European Tire Service in Carmel Indiana! Call 317-571-0800 for a free quote!

What You Need to Change a Flat Tire

Aside from a scissor jack or floor jack, you will need a few other tools to change a damaged tire. These include a lug wrench and sometimes a spare tire. You may also consider equipping your car with some standard roadside emergency supplies, which you can review here.

Let’s take a look tool needed to change a flat tire:

The jack is what lifts up the car so you can remove the flat tire and put on the spare. There are different types of jacks, but most cars come with a scissor jack. A scissor jack is a mechanical device that is used to lift up the body of a vehicle so that you can change a tire. It consists of two handles and a screw mechanism that allows you to raise and lower the jack. You’ll need to find the right spot to place the jack, which should be explained in a diagram in the owner’s manual of the vehicle.

The lug wrench is what you use to remove the lug nuts that hold the flat tire in place. Again, there are different types of lug wrenches, but most cars come with a crowbar-type wrench, also known as a torque wrench. Place the wrench on the lug nut and turn it counterclockwise to loosen. Once it’s loose, you can remove it by hand. Repeat this process for all the lug nuts. Once the lug nuts are removed, you can take off the flat tire by hand. If you don’t have a spare tire, you’ll need to take the flat tire to a nearby service station to get it repaired or replaced.

If you DO have a spare tire, place it on the wheel bolts and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Once all the lug nuts are in place, use the lug wrench to tighten them further. You’ll want to make sure they’re tight enough so that the tire doesn’t come loose while you’re driving, but just don’t over-tighten them. Once the spare tire is in place, lower the car back down to the ground and remove the jack. You can now drive to a service station to have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

Tips for Using a Scissor Car Jack

To use a scissor jack, first locate the jack points on your vehicle. These are typically located near the corners of the vehicle body. Once you’ve found the jack points, place the jack under the vehicle and screw the mechanism until the Jack is tight against the body. Next, use the handles to start lifting the vehicle body.

Once the vehicle is high enough, remove the flat tire and replace it with a new one. Then, lower the jack and remove it from under the vehicle. That’s all there is to it! With a scissor jack, changing a tire is a breeze. Just be sure to check your tires regularly and keep them inflated to the proper pressure to avoid flats in the future.

Are you looking for superior tire, wheel, and brake care for your luxury import vehicle? Contact Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 for professional European auto repair and service in Indianapolis, Carmel, Indiana. We are factory-trained German mechanics who specialize in Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen, but work on all European and British cars.

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The Quickest Way to Check Your Tire Pressure

Temperatures are dropping, and rising, and dropping again. Quite typical for Indiana climate patterns this time of year. One of the most effected automotive parts during this seasonal transition are tires. And as fall continues and the winter months approach, many drivers begin to worry about how the cold weather will have an effect on their cars. One of the most common questions is, “What happens to my car tires in the cold?”

Continue below to learn exactly what you need to know about the way cold temperatures affect your car tires, plus a guide on how to check your tire pressure.

Car Tire Maintenance in Carmel Indiana
Car Tire Maintenance Carmel Indiana 317-571-0800

Top 5 Ways Cold Weather Affects Car Tires

❶ Cold weather can cause your tires to lose pressure.

As the temperature drops, so does the air pressure in your tires. This can lead to a decrease in performance and fuel efficiency, as well as increased wear and tear on your tires. It’s important to check your tire pressure regularly during the winter months to ensure that it stays at the proper level.

❷ Cold weather can make your tires harder.

The cold weather can make your car tires harder, which can lead to less traction and increased wear. It’s important to check your tires regularly for signs of wear and tear, and to have them replaced when necessary.

❸ Cold weather can reduce the lifespan of your tires.

The cold weather can reduce the lifespan of your tires by causing them to crack and degrade faster. It’s important to inspect your tires regularly for signs of damage, and to have them replaced when necessary.

❹ Cold weather can make it more difficult to change a tire.

If you have a flat tire, the cold weather can make it more difficult to change. It’s important to be prepared for this possibility by having the proper tools and knowledge to change a tire in the cold.

❺ Cold weather can increase the risk of a blowout.

The cold weather can also increase the risk of a tire blowout. This is because the air pressure in your tires is lower in the cold, which makes it more likely for the tire to fail. It’s important to check your tire pressure regularly and to have your tires replaced when necessary.

Conclusion…If you’re concerned about how the cold weather will affect your car tires, be sure to follow these tips. By taking care of your tires, you can help to ensure that they last longer and perform better in the cold.

How to Check Tire Pressure

It is important to check your tire pressure regularly to ensure safe driving conditions and to extend the life of your tires. You can purchase a tire pressure gauge at most auto parts stores. To check your tire pressure, remove the valve cap from each tire and press the gauge firmly onto the valve stem. The gauge will give you a reading of the pressure in your tires. Compare this to the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle, which can be found in your owner’s manual or on a placard located on the driver’s side door jamb or glove box.

If your tires are underinflated, use a portable air compressor or visit a service station to inflate them to the proper pressure. If your tires are overinflated, release some of the air by pressing on the gauge and then removing it from the valve stem.

Check Your Tire Tread Too!

It is also a good idea to check your tire tread regularly. You can do this by inserting a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is less than 2/32nds of an inch and it is time to replace your tires.

Conclusion…Checking your tire pressure and tread regularly will help ensure safe driving conditions and extend the life of your tires.

Are you ready to get your tires, wheels, brake pads, and brake rotors ready for the upcoming season? Contact Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 for superior factory scheduled maintenance in Carmel, Indiana. We work on all European vehicles, but specialize in BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Porsche, and Audi repairs and services.

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