News

Winterizing your vehicle for the Fargo, ND cold season is as easy as a trip to Schumacher S.E. LTD. While subzero temperatures can arrive and make themselves comfortable enough to stay any time after September, even lifelong residents of the area tend to put off winterizing their vehicle’s until they’re sure winter is here to stay. The professionals at Schumacher would like to remind you that, historically, cold, snowy winters in North Dakota far outnumber the ones where we can wear shorts and flipflops. So, chances are pretty good that winterizing your vehicle for Fargo’s 2018-2019 winter will be time and money well spent!

Steps for Winterizing Your Vehicle Drivers Can Do on Their Own

1)     Pack a Winter Survival Kit: No one plans to get stranded in their vehicle, but smart drivers prepare for the possibility. Winter roadways are often covered with snow and ice, and even the best drivers can end up in the ditch. You can put the odds in your favor and survive being stranded by packing a survival kit when winterizing your vehicle for the Fargo area’s worst weather. Your emergency kit should include:

·        Bag of Sand or Kitty Litter

·        Blankets

·        Brightly Colored Handkerchief (to hang on antenna if necessary)

·        Cell Phone & Charger

·        Extra Antifreeze

·        First Aid Kit

·        Flares

·        Flashlight with Fresh Batteries

·        Ice Scraper

·        Jumper Cables

·        Non-Perishables (high-energy foods and water)

·        Pack of matches

·        Shovel

·        Toilet Paper or Tissues

·        Tool Kit

·        Warm Clothing (extra jacket, snow pants, hat, gloves, socks, boots, hand warmers)

2)     Don’t Get Locked Out

It’s a good idea to keep a small can of glycerin spray on hand should your vehicle locks freeze over. A supply in your garage, in your desk at work or in your purse just may come in handy!

3)     Keep Your Gas Tank At Least Half Full

It can be a pain to fill up when it’s cold and windy out, but a full tank of gasoline can help prevent gas line freeze ups. Additionally, if you find yourself stranded in your vehicle, you’ll be able to start your car periodically, keeping warm and avoiding frostbite until you’re rescued.

Have a Professional Winterize Your Vehicle

It’s important to have a trusted technician winterize your vehicle for Fargo, ND winter weather. When you drop your automobile off at Schumacher, we’ll give a thorough inspection and make certain you are as ready to conquer North Dakota’s winter roads as is possible. Our winterization services include:

• Battery Inspection: Your battery’s CCA (cold cranking amps) rating indicates the number of amps a 12-volt battery can deliver at 0°F for 30 seconds while maintaining a voltage of at least 7.2 volts. The higher the rating, the better its cold weather starting power. We’ll test your battery to be sure it has enough life to start this winter and see to it that your battery cables are corrosion free and secure. If your battery is 3 years old or older, you may want to consider replacing it.
• Tire Inspection: The professionals at Schumacher will check your tires’ tread depth and inflation, and inspect for any damage such as cracking, splits, side-wall damage and the like. We can also install winter tires to help you better navigate snow and ice.
• Inspect Anti-Freeze: We’ll check the integrity of your antifreeze and can flush your system so your vehicle is sure to heat when you need it most!
• Wiper Blade Inspection: Will your wiper blades hold up to the snow, ice and slush that will be thrown at your windshield this winter? Winter blades will reduce the buildup of ice in the blades’ frames to ensure proper function in stormy weather.
• Windshield Washer Fluid Inspection: Winter grade washer fluid is a must to avoid freeze ups. We’ll make sure yours makes the grade and top it off to keep the view from your windshield unobstructed.
• Brake Inspection: Ensuring your brakes are functioning properly is vital when winterizing your vehicle for Fargo driving. Stopping on our icy, snow covered roads is difficult enough, but with a faulty braking system, your odds of ending up in an accident increase dramatically.
• Inspect Lights: We’ll check to see that your headlights and brake lights are working as they should and we’ll replace any that are foggy or hazy, and change any burnt-out bulbs or fuses.
• Oil Change: Winter weather needs winter weight oil, which is less viscous and won’t thicken up and lose lubrication at lower temperatures.

Before Old Man Winter comes to stay, call, click or stop in at Schumacher S.E., LLC and learn first-hand what makes us better than the best when winterizing your vehicle for Fargo, North Dakota’s cold season!