Driving Tips For Snow and Ice

We don’t get snow often, but when we do, it can barely a dusting or 8-12 inches overnight!  Even though it snowed, we still have jobs to get to and adventures to take with the family. Melloy Dodge would like to take this opportunity to make sure that you know how to safely drive in snow and icy conditions. 

1.) If you don’t need to be out, stay home, and stay safe! This protects you and your vehicle from any unnecessary Injuries and damage. 

2.) Keep extra supplies in your vehicle like; water, food, blankets, and medications. 

3.) Before the next snowstorm hits, be sure to check your tire tread and ensure that your tires are properly inflated. 

4.) Drive slowly: snow and cold temperatures can create black ice, so when you accelerate quickly you’re more likely to spin instead of moving forward. It takes longer to slow down when there is ice present, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to come to a complete stop.

5.)Use neutral: If you're comfortable with this tip, use your neutral gear when you are approaching a stop sign or a curve. Placing the transmission in neutral disengages the engine from the drive train, because even at idle, a car in gear on ice can cause you to slide.

6.) If you can, do not stop on hills: always assume you are driving on ice. When you stop on a hill you have lost the momentum that will keep you from sliding backward. 

7.) If you start to spin: if you begin to spin, act slowly, you should always turn your wheel in the opposite direction you are spinning: this will help take out some of the momenta of the spin and will help to slow you down and straighten you out. 

Snow and ice are no joke and should be driven on when you’ve taken the necessary precautions and are properly informed on how to handle these conditions. Melloy Dodge encourages you to stop by our express lane before the start of the next winter storm so we can service your vehicle and check your tires! 

Tire Pressure Changes In The Cooler Temperatures

With cooler and freezing temperatures fast approaching, Melloy Dodge would like to remind you of the importance of checking your tire pressure when there has been a noticeable drop in the temperature. If your vehicle is newer and features a tire pressure system, your messaging center will alert you that your tires need to be inflated to the recommended PSI. You may notice that there are several days throughout the Fall and Winter when your Tire Pressure System could alert you to lower tire pressures. If your vehicle is older, it’s important to check your tire pressure throughout the seasons and especially when there has been a dramatic change overnight or a weather system change during the day. If you don’t already own a tire pressure gauge, you can purchase one from our parts departments located within Melloy Dodge or at your local automotive store. 

But, why does your pressure fluctuate throughout the seasons? Hot air expands and cool air contracts. In the summer, your PSI is likely to increase, especially if you are traveling long distances. When you are in warmer weather or cooler climate,  you should always check each tire’s pressure and verify that each tire is at the recommended PSI located on the exterior wall of your tire. If you park your vehicle outside during the Fall and Winter months, you should check your tire pressure at least once a month. When your tire pressure is at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, you can ensure that your vehicle will function as it should, such as fuel economy, stopping distance, and much more. For more important information regarding your tire pressure, check out our blog that goes further into detail: https://bit.ly/3dHJtMA

Melloy Dodge and our staff are dedicated to proper and important information that pertains to the safety of your vehicle and knowledgeable vehicle ownership. Visit our express lane, no appointment needed, for your vehicle maintenance, tire rotations, and fluid checks.

 

Tips To Deter Rodent Damage To Your Vehicle

You don’t hear about rodent damage to vehicles in New Mexico too often, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Especially in the winter, these little critters such as rats, mice, and even raccoons can crawl up a tire and cuddle with your engine block to stay warm in freezing temperatures. Colder temperatures are just around the corner so be prepared. Melloy Dodge would like to give you steps you can take to protect your vehicle and your vehicle’s wiring from damage that is sure to be a costly repair.

You Can Leave Your Hood Open At Night:  Leave your vehicle's hood open if it's safe to do so. This will remind you to check your engine area for varmints before starting up. 

Moth Balls: These are poisonous to the rodent if consumed. You can place these in mesh bags around your vehicle or in the engine block area, as long as you remember to get them out each time.

Park Your Car In The Garage: Keeping your vehicle parked inside will reduce the risk of rodents getting in your vehicle and chewing up expensive wiring. Make sure your garage is sealed as well. 

Peppermint Oil: You can use peppermint oil as a natural way to repel rodents. You can soak cotton balls and place them on the metal lip just below your windshield under the hood, and spray your tires with the oil as well. 

Rodent Deterrent Tape: As an extra precaution, especially if you live in an area that you know is infested with these creatures, you can wrap your vehicle’s wiring in rodent deterrent tape. 

Ultrasonic Devices: Say goodbye to mouse traps. Ultrasonic devices employ the use of undetectable sound waves to drive away unwanted rodents and other pests.

No one wants to deal with taking their vehicle to the mechanic to have wiring replaced. This is both an inconvenience and a costly expense. But, if rodents have recently taken your vehicle’s wiring as part of their dietary needs, our skilled mechanics are ready to get you back on the road as quickly as possible! Stop into our express lane and we'll complete an evaluation and either schedule you for an appointment or get you back on the road. Visit Melloy Dodge online to schedule your vehicle appointment today!