Tom Headley is Manager at Walker Tire & Auto Service located at 140th & Gold Circle (one block north of W. Center). Tom is married with two children.

If you have any questions for Tom, email him a GoldCircle@WalkerTire.com.

Protect your Vehicle in Winter

Winter is a beautiful time of the year in Nebraska, especially when a fresh layer of new snow blankets everything.

But as wonderful as winter is, winter driving can be very harsh on vehicles. Following are tips that can help you protect your automobiles from some of the hazards of winter driving and can save you money and inconvenience.

Pre-Winter Maintenance Prevention is the key to keep your vehicle running smoothly during the winter. Avoid any potential problems by winterizing your vehicle. Have a certified professional check battery, engine cooling system, antifreeze, belts, brakes, tires, wipers, lights, and fluids.

Tire PressureIt’s important to check your tire pressure monthly. You’ll get better traction with the correct tire pressure. Don’t wait for the tire pressure sensor to alert you to low tire pressure. Use a gauge and make sure your pressure matches the recommended tire pressure in your manual.

BatteryOne of the most common reasons a car won’t start is a dead battery. If your battery is more than two or three years old, have it tested. Check the terminals and make sure they are not corroded.

Wipers and Windshield Washer FluidSalt on the road can spray onto your windshield and decrease visibility, so it’s very important that your wipers are functioning properly. The recommendation is to change your wiper blades twice a year – before they’re so damaged that they don’t work. If you replace them during your spring and then fall oil changes, you should always have wiper blades that perform well.

by Tom Headley, Store Manager, Walker Tire & Auto Service

If you’re not sure if it’s time to change the wipers, you can do a simple test:

Go outside, turn the blades on and squirt the windshield with some wiper fluid. If the wipers streak, it’s time for new blades. If not, you’re good to go!

When it comes to wiper blades, it’s important to think of it as maintaining this safety component by replacing your blades before they fail, and ensuring you have plenty of windshield washer fluid. That will keep you seeing clearly in all conditions.

FuelTry to keep your gas tank full, or at least half full, throughout the cold winter months. This will help reduce the chances of condensation building up, which can lead to problems starting the vehicle.

For more helpful tips, visit www.Omaha.WalkerTire.com.