Winter and its chill brings the risk of icy, snow-covered roads that can make driving treacherous. Preparing your car with essential seasonal maintenance is vital for both your safety and the longevity of your vehicle during these harsher conditions.

Why Proper Winter Car Care Is Essential

Snowy weather can create hazardous road conditions, leading to accidents. In 2022 alone, there were 498 fatal crashes caused by snow and sleet conditions, not to mention thousands of injuries. Proper seasonal maintenance can significantly reduce these risks.

Don't Cheap Out on Snow Tires

One of the most crucial steps for ice-season safety is swapping out your all-season tires for snow tires. Snow tires are specifically designed to provide better traction on icy roads. They also maintain better grip at lower temperatures, saving you from potential accidents and increasing the lifespan of your all-season tires.

Steps for Pre-Winter Maintenance

Check Your Tires

Inspect the tread depth (use the quarter test to ensure safety). Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure levels. Consider installing snow tires for optimal slushy terrain traction.

Test Your Battery

Cold weather reduces battery power. Visit a mechanic to check its condition and replace it if necessary.

Check Fluid Levels

Make sure your windshield wiper fluid is topped off with a winter-grade solution. Also, inspect and refill coolant, oil, and other critical fluids as needed.

Upgrade Your Wipers

Invest in heavy-duty winter blades for better visibility. These blades are designed to handle snow, ice, and slush, preventing buildup and ensuring a clear view of the road during harsh winter conditions. Unlike standard wiper blades, winter-specific versions feature a durable rubber coating that resists cracking in low temperatures and provides consistent performance even in the most challenging weather.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Include a snow shovel, blankets, flares, jumper cables, and more in your winter emergency kit. A snow shovel can help you dig out if you become stuck, while blankets provide warmth in case you have to wait for assistance. Flares or reflective triangles can alert other drivers to your location, increasing your visibility in low-light or snowy conditions.

Prepare your car today and drive confidently all winter long. Proper winter car care isn't just a necessity—it's a lifesaver.

Unsure how to prepare your vehicle for this winter? The service experts at Bush Auto Group are here to help. Our team is experienced and knowledgeable to help your car prepare for the coming snowy season now that we've had our first snowfall. From part purchases to routine seasonal maintenance and full body repair, we're here to help!

With Memorial Day now in the rearview, the allure of the summer road trip is palpable. Is your summer travel itinerary finalized? Taking a moment to run through your checklist, have you: had your vacation days approved? Packed your bags? Double-checked your Airbnb reservations? Great! All that's left to tend to is the single most important component to your trip: your trusty vehicle.

Your road trip only goes as far as your car, truck, or SUV can take you. The Bush Auto Group is here to help maximize your vehicle's potential, ensuring seamless travels this summer. Filling up the fuel tank is just step one; here are five more actions you can take to prepare your car for a memorable trip.

Make Your Car Habitable

During your trip, your vehicle transforms into your home away from home. Regardless of lodging along the way, much of your trip will be spent inside your car. Just as you keep your home clean, your car should be devoid of dust and clutter before embarking. (Maintaining that neatness throughout your trip is a noble side-mission.)

Prior to setting off, clean your car at any of our local car washes, such as the Lionville Express Car Wash in Exton. Take advantage of their vacuuming services to thoroughly clear floor mats and upholstery. Get as much dirt out as you can, because it won't stay that way long once the kids hop in.

Keep Your Tires Inflated

Low tire pressure is a dual threat for motorists: it makes your tire more susceptible to damage, and also diminishes fuel efficiency. When you're on an extended drive, all those underserved miles add up. Check your tire pressure before your trip, blowing them up to the recommended PSI level (found on a sticker near the driver's door). Ideally, check your tire pressure every 1,000 miles (and rotate your tires every 5,000 miles, or at six-month intervals).

If you face persistent issues with tire pressure or if your tires are noticeably worn, it may be time to invest in a new set. Fortunately, our comprehensive online Parts Department can help you find the perfect set of tires for your vehicle, as well as anything else your ride requires.

Hydrate Your Vehicle

Just as you'd take along a water bottle for your summer road journeys, ensure the six essential fluids in your car are at optimal levels. Unless you're far from your usual 7,500 – 10,000-mile oil change schedule, have your oil changed prior to departing. Verify that your transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid are adequately filled.

To maintain maximum comfort throughout your journey, keep your coolant and windshield fluid levels high. Low coolant affects the air conditioning system, leading to weaker air flow, decreased cooling efficiency, and discomfort for all. You'll appreciate the extra windshield fluid when your windshield becomes compromised by countless smeared insect bodies and you're miles away from the closest gas station.

Prepare Your Playlist Before Leaving

Spring has already gifted us some eclectic material for a road trip playlist. Whether you're still dissecting recent epics from Beyonce and Taylor Swift or catching up on the Kendrick-Drake beef, pop music has been anything but boring lately. Regardless of your musical tastes, try to solidify your music selection before you hit the road. Long journeys can lead to complacent, careless behavior, and the moment your phone distracts you could abruptly end your summer plans.

Rely on the Bush Auto Group for Your Summer Maintenance

If your summer escapade is approaching and you're unsure about your vehicle's preparedness, it never hurts to seek a professional opinion. Our Service Department's dedicated team is prepared to address any tasks remaining on your maintenance checklist. From routine tasks such as oil changes to heavy-duty maintenance like transmission replacement, we'll handle jobs of all sizes. This summer, Bush Auto Group is committed to keeping you safely on the road throughout your travels, to whatever grand destinations lie in wait.