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Make sure your car is ready for changing weather

Keith Eads, tire specialist for Kasey Kahne’s No. 5 Farmers Insurance Chevrolet SS team, shares his expert tips on how to get your car ready for the upcoming fall and winter seasons:
 
1. Check belts, hoses, and fluids
“The first thing you should do to prepare for fall and winter is to check all of your belts and hoses,” says Eads. “It’s important to keep up on your oil changes, make sure your heat is working properly and ensure the fluids have been replenished.”
Before the weather starts to turn, take your car in for regular maintenance. Your trusted mechanic can spot problem areas, change worn belts and hoses, fix any heating issues, and change your oil before the fall.
 
2. Check your antifreeze
“You need to keep tabs on the antifreeze in your vehicle so that it’s equivalent to the temperatures you are going to be driving in,” says Eads. “Checking is important because it may have gotten diluted during the summer months.”
When temperatures get colder, a vehicle’s antifreeze becomes vital for operation because it regulates your engine’s temperature and ensures it runs properly.
 
3. Check fuel lines and tire pressure
“As the cooler weather gets closer, being aware of how the temperature can affect your vehicle is important. Your fuel lines and tire pressure are both areas that need extra attention in the changing temps,” says Eads. “Fuel supplements are a great way to keep the ice out of your fuel lines and checking your vehicle’s tire pressure is important for safety and the handling of your car.”
Changing temperatures can condense or expand air in your tires, and cooler weather can leave you with low tire pressure. Keep an eye on your car’s tire pressure indicator, and make sure to refill any tire that looks low before you start driving.
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4. Keep an eye on your fuel levels
Another area you want to keep an eye on when the temperature drops is your fuel levels. During a race, proper fuel management can be the difference between winning and losing. While driving in your own car, keeping up on your fuel levels is essential for performance and making sure you won’t get stranded out in the cold.
 
5. Stay safe in colder weather
Along with vehicle maintenance, it’s smart to properly prepare for traveling in the elements and for an emergency.
“In the winter, you should have things like gloves, an ice scraper, a blanket and candles in your car,” according to Eads. “Other items that should always be kept in your vehicle are a first aid kit, flares and jumper cables.”
 
Visit the Shop Local Champion Page of our local Farmers Agent, Eric Domes. Eric's office offers a full range of products and services and would be happy to review your needs.Our friends at Farmers Insurance offer some great advice that may not only give you peace of mind but also may save you money. 
Information courtesy of Farmers.com
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