Holiday Prep 101: Making Sure Your Car Is Roadworthy

Posted by ataylor on September 15, 2018

Sep 15, 2018

Summer just ended, but the holiday season is right around the corner. The excitement of October, November, and December also makes this time of year the most popular for road trips and long drives. Take the following steps to make sure your German import vehicle is ready to hit the road without any issues this holiday season. 

Check the Battery

Surprises can be fun, but not when one of the surprises is the inability to start your car in the cold. Extreme temperatures - like Florida’s record-hot weather - are hard on your car, especially the sensitive battery. As winter approaches, make sure the sun didn’t scorch your battery by checking under the hood. 

Look for tight and corrosion-free connections, then find your battery’s date stamp to make sure it isn’t too old. Many BMWs and Mercedes have advanced batteries that can last up to 7 years!

Chance Oils and Fluids

Refresh your import auto with fresh fluids, including oil, wiper fluid, and coolant. Many luxury vehicles now have specialized and proprietary fluids designed to work with a specific car, so don’t use a regular off-the-shelf coolant or oil. Make sure to look in your owner’s manual or ask your specialist to find the right products. 

Inspect Tires

Tire tread and pressure are essential during winter driving, especially if it snows or ices. A visual inspection isn’t enough. Many luxury vehicles, especially with a sport package, have wheels set at an angle for better handling. This is great for making sharp turns, but it reduces tread on the inside of the tires and causes them to wear before the outside of each tire. For this reason, it is best to have your tires checked by a German vehicle expert . 

Use Winter or All-Weather Mats

Fall and winter are messy seasons: leaves, hay, ice, snow, and other debris can find their way into your car without you even noticing. Your all-weather or winter mats should be in place by October to prevent unsightly damage to the bottom surfaces of your car. Take them out once the weather warms up, and you’ll be glad you protected the interior of your German auto. 

Don’t trust any auto shop with your valuable German auto. Potter’s Precision Imports specializes in the service and repair of German automobiles. The mechanics at Potter’s are specialists with years of training and experience, so you can trust them with your Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Volkswagen, or Audi. Call (727) 228-6012 now to make an appointment.