Winter Vehicle Checklist

Now that winter is here, you may live in an area that frequently receives snow or you are itching to venture into some! Melloy Dodge wants to remind you to take the time to go through this easy checklist before you end up in a position where you wish you had. 

Coolant: Checking coolant doesn’t seem like it should be a factor on your list, but coolant makes sure that the fluid in your radiator that contains a 50/50 water: antifreeze mixture does not freeze, especially if you are just out for the day to sled!

Battery: You may own a newer vehicle or you may own an older one, but one thing that needs to be checked is the water level in your battery. Starting a vehicle in subfreezing temperatures takes a major chemical electrical reaction, you want to make sure that it is good, otherwise, top it with distilled water. It’s also important to check the connections or take your vehicle to the Melloy Dodge Express Lane and the professional technicians there will take care of that for you!

Wiper Fluid: When you are driving on roads that are wet and muddy, have been salted, or are a mixture of snow and mud, these can decrease the visibility of your windshield, so be sure to make sure that fluid is topped off. 

Tires/Tire Pressure: You should do this routinely, but be sure to take a quick tire pressure read from each tire before hitting the road! Also, check to see if any of your tires are wearing thin and need to be replaced soon. 

Emergency Kit:  Planning for the worst-case scenario will put your mind at ease if something does happen. Be sure that your kit includes: Blankets, changes of clothes, socks, water, food, and a first aid kit! You could also make sure that you have the tools you need if you need to take off and replace a tire with your spare.  

Melloy Dodge encourages everyone to get out and explore the great state that New Mexico is. It offers a diverse set of scenery that can change in the blink of an eye. Before you head out, stop in at our Express Lane to get your vehicle’s oil changed, and while it’s there we will conduct our multi-point fluid checklist.