Top Winter Car Care Tips

Winter has decided to arrive early in mid-Missouri, so now is the time to review some top winter car care tips to get your car ready for the cold winter weather.  Your trusted car dealer in mid-Missouri is here to help you with some car care tips for this winter. Here at Spieler's Inc., we know how much you love your car and we want to help you care for it properly! Take a look at the helpful tips below, for caring for your ride.

Replace Your Wiper Blades

When the winter snow and freezing weather decides to strike again, you will be glad you put on a new set of wiper blades.  A new set of blades will help you see in all types of weather.  Don't get caught in a stressful driving situation due to poor windshield visibility.  Ice can be hard on your wiper blades so make sure you start your car and try to defrost as much ice as possible before turning on your wipers. You should also scrape the ice with an ice scraper prior to using your wiper blades. This tip will help increase your wiper blade lifespan.

Wash Your Car Regularly

On a regular basis, it is important to wash the exterior of your vehicle. To help keep the paint in good condition, remove any grime that may build up over time. Especially during the winter months, it is important to wash the road salt off of your vehicle. This can help reduce the chance of rust on the underneath side of your vehicle. Helpful hint: Remember to wash the underside of your ride - a drive-through car wash can help you clear that pesky salt off of your vehicle. To keep a flawless look after you wash, wipe your vehicle down with a dry towel to absorb excess water and reduce the risk of water spots on your newly cleaned paint.

Pack An Emergency Kit

Icy roads and lots of snow can lead to poor driving conditions. Driving during a winter storm can lead to unexpected situations. You are at a higher risk of sliding off the road, getting into a fender bender or maybe your car just not performing well. Make sure you are prepared for any situation you may face this winter. You need to have an emergency kit ready to go. A winter emergency kit should include extra gloves, boots, blankets, shovel, sand or kitty litter, tow strap, flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, portable battery charger, and car cell phone charger.  You may have a few more items to add but those listed should help if you find yourself in a winter weather situation.

Check Your Tires Tread

The tread on your tires can make a huge difference in how your vehicle performs this winter.  If your tires are getting close to needing to be replaced, it is best to do it before the bad weather arrives.  Many vehicles that have sport style tires won't perform as well in the winter. You may want to invest in winter tires or add chains to help gain traction. Not sure if you tread is able to stand up again this upcoming winter, stop in and we can take a look for you.

Get Your Car Ready For Cooler Temperatures

The cooler weather can be hard on a vehicle. If you find your vehicle idling rough or lights appearing on the dash, make sure you get it addressed soon. You don't want to wait and get stuck broke down alongside the road in freezing temperatures. Now is the time to change your oil, replace dirty air filters, get your battery checked, flush your coolant, and maybe adding fuel de-icer to your gas tank. Need help, we have you covered!

It is important to take care of your vehicle before the winter hits. Now is the time to get your car in perfect working order, so you can handle whatever mother nature throws our way. Not sure if your care is ready for the winter, give us a call and we can look it over for you. If you are thinking about buying a new vehicle in mid-Missouri to give you peace of mind this winter, visit Spieler's Incorporated!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

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Don’t Let Winter Weather Keep You off the Roadway

Winter is upon us and with the change of season comes the chance of encountering winter weather on the roadways. No need to worry, the best car dealership near Jefferson City, Missouri has you covered! Here at Spieler’s Inc., we want to make sure everyone stays safe this winter. We have put together a list of tips and helpful hints to help get you through the horrible winter weather conditions on the roadway.

Winter Safety Tips: 

- Never warm up your vehicle in an enclosed area such as a garage

- Clear snow and ice and defrost your vehicle
Helpful hint: don’t forget to clear the snow from the hood of your car. This will help keep the snow from flying up onto your windshield when you are driving. Snow also adds extra weight to a car which throws off performance.

- Make sure you keep your gas tank at least half full during the winter time – this will help to avoid a gas line freeze-up.

- Make sure your exhaust pipe is not clogged with mud or snow

- It may not always be possible, but try to avoid using your parking break in cold, rainy and snowy weather

- Double check that your tires are at the right PSI
Helpful hint: The change in temperature negatively effects your tire pressure. The tire pressure recommendations are usually listed somewhere on your vehicle or in the owner’s manual. Most cars are different, so double check the correct levels for your car

- Never use cruise control while driving on any slippery surface – especially rain or ice

- Always wear your seatbelt

- Only drive well rested – you need to be extremely aware while driving in hazardous weather conditions

- Know the current conditions of the road you will be driving on

Tips for Driving in the Snow:

- Accelerate and decelerate slowly

- Allow extra space between you and the car in front of you – it takes longer to slow down or stop on roads that are covered with snow or ice.
Helpful hint: while the recommended following distance between cars is 3 to 4 seconds, during winter weather following distances should be increased to 8 to 10 seconds.

- Don’t try to speed up hills – if you apply too much force going up a hill, your wheels might start spinning.
Helpful hint: try to get your speed before you reach the hill and then let that speed help carry you up the hill so you don’t have to accelerate too much.

- Never stop while going up a hill if you don’t have to. Trying to restart once you have stopped on an icy hill is extremely difficult and dangerous.

- Stay calm if you start to skid – overcorrecting can cause more problems
Helpful hint: if the backend of your car starts to slide during a turn, slowly let off the accelerator and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide. This will help straighten out your car.

While driving during the winter months may be unavoidable, knowing how to stay safe on the road is a must. Your family-owned and operated car dealership near Jefferson City, Missouri is here to help. By following the tips we have provided you with and maintaining a safety-first mindset, you can help reduce the risks that are associated with driving in the upcoming winter months.

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

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Emergency Car Kit for Winter

Driving during the winter months in mid-Missouri can be interesting! From sunny and 50 degrees one day to a freezing rain storm the next, the weather is quite unpredictable! Since it is hard to know what the weather will present from day to day, it is important to always be prepared. Your trusted car dealer near California, MO is here with a list of things to keep in your vehicle this winter. You can find a list for items to keep on hand for your emergency car kit below!

Flashlight-

If you happen to experience bad weather, and slide off the road at night, a flashlight can help! From seeing the damage to your vehicle to flagging down help, a light can come in quite handy if you get stranded, while driving.

Blanket-

If your vehicle gets stuck during a winter storm, you may be inside your car for a while. A blanket can help keep you and your family warm if you have to wait in the car for help to come. If you have to walk a little way for help in the winter, an added layer of a blanket can never hurt!

Jumper Cables-

Whether it is simply the cold temperature or a low-charge, there are a number of reasons for your vehicle to not start, especially during the winter months. A set up jumper cables can come in handy if you have another vehicle that can jump your battery.

Water & Food-

Try to keep a supply of water and non-perishable food items in your back seat or trunk in case of an emergency. If the roads are bad or you get stuck, it may be a while before you are back moving. It is important to stay hydrated and have plenty of food to tie you and your family over, until you can get back on the road.

First Aid Kit-

A first aid kit is an important item to have in your vehicle all year long. If you or anyone in your vehicle gets an injury, caring for it can help jump start healing. It is also convenient to have for an injury that may occur outside the vehicle, but there if you need it!

Ice Scraper-

This may seem like a winter time staple, but an ice scraper can help keep your windshield and windows clear of ice that may accumulate. A clear view is imperative for a safe drive, especially during the winter months!

Shovel & Sand-

If your vehicle does happen to get stuck, a shovel can help you clear snow away from your tire to help it gain traction on the ground. Sand can also help get traction if the snow is too deep or there is ice involved. If you are worried about getting stuck, try to keep a little sand in your vehicle to help you get traction during the winter months.

Winter Driving Tips:

-Increase following distance.
-Try to avoid slick roads.
-Drive slow when roads are bad.
-Keep gas tank as full as possible.

While most advise to stay off the roads when they are bad, sometimes your personal situation does not allow. If you must travel on slick roads this winter, remember to prepare your emergency car kit! Also keep the winter driving tips in mind, when traveling on roads that are snow or ice covered. Remember, our car dealership near Jefferson City, MO wants to ensure you stay safe on the roadways this winter!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

Like us on Facebook

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Ways to Improve Visibility this Winter

Now that winter is here, driving can become a little more treacherous than normal. Poor visibility is the cause of many motor vehicle accidents in mid-Missouri. To help keep everyone on the roadways safe this winter, take a look at our tips to improve visibility in the winter weather. Your trusted car dealer near Jefferson City, Missouri wants to help keep the roads safe as mid-Missourians travel this winter. Provided below, by Spieler’s Incorporated are some helpful ways to improve winter driving visibility.

Remove Snow

With a minimal amount of snowfall thus far, the winter season has only just begun. Try to remove all snow covering your vehicle, before getting out on the road. A snow covered car can be camouflaged into the landscape, making it difficult for other motorists to see you. Driving around with snow on your roof or bumper can blow around on other vehicles on the road.

Brighten Headlights

If your headlights are dim, brighten them up as soon as possible. Headlights are important for your visibility and to increase visibility of your vehicle to other motorists. Ensure your headlights are on when it is snowing, even during daylight hours. Replace old headlights that are dim and ensure your headlight covers are clear of scratches and other debris.

Fill Up Washer Fluid

The ability to clean off your windshield is important for visibility, especially during the winter months. As precipitation falls from the sky, your windshield wipers will need to be running to clear your view. Dirt and snow can gather on your windshield, making it hard to see, especially in the winter. Keep your windshield washer fluid tank full so you can use it as needed to clear your windshield off.

Low-Beams in the Snow

When a snow storm strikes, it is best to drive with your low-beams on. High beams can reflect off of the falling snow, making it more difficult to see the road. A low- beam setting can help increase roadway visibility, when driving while it is snowing.

Replace Wiper Blades

It is important to start the winter off with fresh wiper blades. Before a snowstorm makes its way into mid-Missouri, replace your blades. Wiper blades are imperative when driving in the snow. They clear off melted snow and other debris, for a clean and clear view of the road. Over time, the rubber on the blades wear and crack, leaving an uneven edge to wipe your windshield.

Now that you know these helpful tips to improve winter driving visibility, you are prepared to help make the roads a safe place to travel.  Keep in mind, it is always best to avoid driving completely when the roads are dangerous and visibility is low. Spieler’s Inc. wants to help keep you and your family safe this winter. The best car dealer in mid-Missouri reminds you to use caution if you need to travel with slow and/or ice on the roadways this winter.

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

Like us on Facebook

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5 Tips for Improving Visibility During Winter

Winter weather can cause dangerous driving conditions in the Mid-West. Many winter accidents result from poor visibility situations when motorists cannot see the road and other cars. Anything you do to improve visibility can help everyone stay safe during a treacherous time of year. The following five tips from the best car dealership near Jefferson City for improving visibility during winter can help you and your family stay safe on the road.

Windshield Wipers

 Wipers can help clear windows of rain, sleet, ice and frost, but they cannot improve visibility if they aren't being used. Make sure you activate your wipers as soon as precipitation starts and leave them on until it stops. Wipers in good condition can deflect precipitation easily, keeping the windshield clear from obstruction. Worn or damaged windshield wipers can leave a thin layer of snow or ice on your windshield or leave streaks that can keep you from properly seeing the road. Check with the most trusted car dealership in Mid-Missouri to have your wipers inspected. If needed, service technicians can quickly install high-quality replacements that meet the specifications of your vehicle.

Snow Removal

We've had nothing but rain so far this winter, but the season has only just begun! Accumulated snow camouflages your car, making it difficult to see while on the road. To stay safe, remove snow from the hood, roof, and trunk of your car as well as from the bumpers before leaving your driveway. Keep a small brush or broom in your car so that you can remove snow no matter where you are.

Headlights

Headlights help other drivers see your car and help you get a good view of the road ahead. You should always turn on your headlights during inclement weather. It's also worth your time to inspect your headlights every couple of months to ensure they are clean and in optimum condition. Promptly replace burned-out or dimmed bulbs for a safer winter driving experience.

Most modern cars use plastic headlight lenses that can become cloudy over time. These aging lenses reduce the effectiveness of your headlights, setting the stage for a low-visibility and more dangerous driving environment. Your #1 dealership near Jefferson City can restore these lenses to clear, like-new condition. Don't hesitate to ask for help.

Safety Flares

Treacherous winter roads become worse when your car breaks down. You can improve the visibility of your disabled car by deploying safety flares that attract and reflect the lights of oncoming vehicles to alert motorists of a stranded stationary car. Buy high-visibility safety flares and store them in your car for emergency use. While you’re at it, stow away some of the items we mentioned in our previous blog, 14 Must-Have Items for Your Emergency Kit!

Driving during poor weather is a risky venture. The best advice Spieler's Inc. can give is to avoid driving during low visibility when possible. Safety is always the #1 priority when it comes to driving a vehicle. Drive slower and pay even closer attention to the roads when inclement weather strikes.

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018

(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:

www.spielersinc.com

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on LinkedIn

5 Winter Driving Tips From Spieler's Inc!

Winter can cause some hazardous road conditions due to snow and poor weather. Your #1 Car dealership in Missouri has you covered! We've put together 5 helpful tips that can assist you with poor road conditions and winter driving. Spieler's Inc. wants to make sure that everyone is safe on the road this season.

1. Tire Pressure

The change in temperature causes dramatic fluctuations in air pressure inside your tires. A drop in ten degrees can lower your overall tire pressure in one tire by 1-2 pounds! Low tire pressure can cause poor handling in bad road conditions and can be detrimental to your fuel economy. 

Solution:

Once a month, check your tires in the morning  to make sure they are at the pressure indicated in the owners manual. Checking all four tires takes just a few minutes and ensures that your vehicle's tires are operating at the correct pressure.

2. Accelerating

Lead-foot driving is already hard enough on the vehicle. During inclement weather, it can also cause controllability problems. Your vehicle can overreact on slick surfaces at the smallest turn and braking becomes more difficult. If a driver isn't careful, they could wreck their vehicle.

Solution: 

When accelerating, gradually get the car up to speed. The same advice works for turning - do so slowly. Every movement should slow down during poor weather to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

3. Cruise Control

Cruise control is great for long distance and steady driving! Unfortunately, it can't predict a patch of black ice or adjust to changing road conditions. If your vehicle is set to maintain a certain speed and hits a puddle of water or a patch of ice, the computer will sense that the vehicle slowed down and try to accelerate - causing the resulting hydroplane to be much more dangerous.

Solution:

Keep the cruise control off and be a vigilant driver. If you find yourself in a situation where the vehicle is hydroplaning, you can decelerate and maintain positive control over your vehicle.

4. Fuel

If it starts to snow heavily or the rain is beating down hard enough that you cannot continue driving, it's time to pull over. You may not know how long the storm will last or how the road conditions will be after the storm. This means that you could be stuck in the vehicle for a long time! Having a vehicle with a nearly empty tank could become dangerous if stuck out in the elements for a long time.

Solution:

Always keep a half tank of fuel or more in your vehicle. This will allow you to wait out most storms, and keep you warm while you wait for help or for the storm to clear up. 

5. Clear Off Your Car 

Snow can add a lot of weight to your vehicle, negatively impacting performance and fuel economy. It can also cause additional risks to other drivers on the road. Additionally, snow covering the windshield causes extremely poor visibility.

Solution: 

Clear off and properly defrost your vehicle. Remove all the snow and get rid of the excess weight. This increases your visibility and reduces the chance of accidentally causing an accident if a sheet of snow slides off onto the roadway.

Spieler's Inc. Cares about Your Safety.

Driving during heavy winter weather increases the risk of accidents. Your best car dealership near Jefferson City is here to remind you that the cold weather brings about some complicated roadways. By following the rules of the road and maintaining a safety-first mentality, you can reduce the risks associated with driving in the upcoming months. 

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.

California, MO 65018

(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:

www.spielersinc.com

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on LinkedIn