Last Minute Winter Preparation Tips For Your Vehicle From Your Northeaster Automotive Experts

Winters in the Midwest are summarized by one word; uncertain. It is vital that we are always one step ahead of mother nature.  Because of the uncertainty and harsh weather conditions in the winter, it is important to know the steps to take in preparing your vehicle for these months.  That is why the winter vehicle preparation and car care experts at Bob Sumerel Tire Co. have put together a short list of tips to help prepare your vehicle at home for the winter.

• Switch your wiper fluid over to a "de-icer" fluid. It has the same functionality as your standard
  wiper fluid, but has the ability to melt snow up to -40 °F.
• Have your battery and starter tested. The battery and starter experts at your local Bob Sumerel Tire store are more than happy to assist you in making sure you are worry free when starting your vehicle this winter.  Schedule a starting and charging system check here. 
• Change your oil to a "winter grade oil" during your next service. A thicker, heavier oil does a
  
  better job of protecting internal engine parts during a cold start. For more information on the correct oil viscosity for your vehicle, visit your local Bob Sumerel Tire oil change experts. 
• Frequently check your tire pressure. Extremely cold mornings tend to decrease the air pressure of a tire.  Make sure to inflate your tires to manufacturer's suggested pressure. 
• Create a "winter survival kit" with things like: flares, jumper cables, door lock de-icer, melting salt, and various other items for those unexpected car breakdowns. 
• Consider snow tires instead of wearing down your all season tires.  Consider getting a set of winter tires for the best possible traction under severe road conditions at your local Bob Sumerel Tire store. 

While these are just a handful of tips, see CarCare.org's additional tips for winter car care prepping. If you have additional questions about service intervals and maintenance, your local Bob Sumerel Tire is always just a quick phone call away. Since 1968, Bob Sumerel Tire Co. has been committed to keeping your vehicle running safely and efficiently on the winter roads.  Bob Sumerel really cares!

Please visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Yelp. 

Maximizing Fuel Economy This Thanksgiving Season

As the winter holidays approach, long hauls with the family are typically in the schedule for drivers. If so, then be sure to roll on by your local Bob Sumerel Tire shop for a complimentary inspection before you hit the road. Did you know that your vehicle's fuel efficiency can be greatly impacted by cold temperatures?  According to fueleconomy.gov your vehicle's gas mileage can be 12% lower at 20°F than at 70°F.  However, there are also several things you can do at home to ensure you get the most miles per gallon on this year’s Thanksgiving trip and other months no matter how cold the temperature is.

• Check your tire pressure before hitting the road, and fill them according to the correct PSI.  This number is found in your owner's manual, glove box, or door jam.

• Instead of going with regular fuel, choose a mid-grade or premium fuel for filling up. Higher
  
  grade fuels have higher burn off temperatures and additional additives to help clean deposits in your fuel system. 

• Do a quick check of your fluid levels to assure they are at sufficient operating quality. 

• Whenever possible, try to coast down hills without using the accelerator, that way your engine doesn't have to work as hard, and will use less fuel. 

• Always check weather and traffic conditions before the commute to prepare for any uncertain obstacles. 

Following these tips can boost your gas mileage, as well as ensure a safe trip to wherever your dinner table is this Thanksgiving. For a professional fuel system treatment and free diagnostic maintenance check, visit your local Bob SumerelTire Co. 

Happy Holidays! 

Please visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Yelp. 

5 Steps To Warming Up Your Vehicle This Winter From Northeastern Ohio and Pennsylvania's Winter Car Care Experts

With winter temperatures right around the corner, you may find yourself starting your car early in the morning to help warm up your vehicle before the morning commute.  The general belief is that the most effective way to warm your vehicle is to give it around 10 minutes to idle in the driveway with the heat on full blast.  However, this is not the case.  According to the Environmental Defense Fund, idling your vehicle for longer than 10-60 seconds can start to burn through your gas tank and cost you money.  That is why the winter car care experts at Bob Sumerel Tire Co. have compiled a short list of 5 steps to help optimize warming up your vehicle this winter.

1. Turn the key to the ON position.
2. Start the vehicle, and turn on any defrosters or hot air at that time.
   
3. After the car has run for about 10-60 seconds, take it out for light driving.  A quick spin around the block should do the trick!
4. Be easy on the gas as the motor and transmission will be in the process of warming up.
5. Keep an eye on your vehicle’s temperature gauge.  Once your engine has reached its operating temperature, your vehicle will be ready for the morning commute.

Letting your vehicle idle for long periods of time in the cold weather has also been known to cause internal engine malfunctions due to lack of oil flow throughout the motor.  By driving lightly, you are allowing for that oil to circulate and your fuel injectors to warm up, thus burning less gas at operating conditions. If you find after following the above steps that your vehicle is still having a hard time warming up, then please feel free to callyour local winter car care experts at Bob Sumerel Tire Co.  Bob Sumerel Tire Co. is committed to keeping you warm and more importantly safe on the roads this winter.  Consider stopping in to your local BobSumerel Tire store for a free diagnostic maintenance check as well.

Please visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Yelp.