Pre-Winter Prep for Your Car
The first major storm is the worst time to start thinking about what your car needs to make it through winter. Take it from someone that’s been in an icy water-filled ditch, you want a plan. Fingers-crossed you’ll never need it but being prepared can literally save a life when Midwest Winters take their toll. Check out these pro tips for winter prep!
Create a “cold weather box” for your trunk. Items to pack should include a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a few blankets, boots, a change of warm clothes for the driver, a few extra pairs of gloves, a bag of sand or salt (for traction), an extra ice scraper and high-energy snacks like nuts or jerky.
Check your tread life. You want time to replace your tires before the snow starts falling and things get slippery. Not sure about the tread? It’s “Lincoln test” time! Insert a penny into your tire’s tread with the top of Lincoln’s head pointing inward toward the tire. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires. Schedule an appointment and our Service Center will make sure the right tires for your vehicle are in stock and ready to roll.
Winterize your fluids. Check that your coolant and anti-freeze are within recommended levels. Don’t forget to grab some winter wiper fluid. It’s designed to combat icing so it’s less likely to freeze on your windshield.
Test your battery. The older a battery is the less likely you are to make it through winter. Especially if you park your vehicle outside. Finding out how it’s currently performing will save you a few headaches when the temp drops. Swing through the Service Center with this COUPON and our team will check it for free!
Being prepared for the unexpected makes all the difference. It’s the little things, like keeping your phone in your pocket and NOT in the cup holder, that can save the day. Remember, a little prep goes a long way so drive safely and stay warm out there!
Pre-Winter Prep for Your Car
Pre-Winter Prep for Your Car
The first major storm is the worst time to start thinking about what your car needs to make it through winter. Take it from someone that’s been in an icy water-filled ditch, you want a plan. Fingers-crossed you’ll never need it but being prepared can literally save a life when Midwest Winters take their toll. Check out these pro tips for winter prep!
Create a “cold weather box” for your trunk. Items to pack should include a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a few blankets, boots, a change of warm clothes for the driver, a few extra pairs of gloves, a bag of sand or salt (for traction), an extra ice scraper and high-energy snacks like nuts or jerky.
Check your tread life. You want time to replace your tires before the snow starts falling and things get slippery. Not sure about the tread? It’s “Lincoln test” time! Insert a penny into your tire’s tread with the top of Lincoln’s head pointing inward toward the tire. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires. Schedule an appointment and our Service Center will make sure the right tires for your vehicle are in stock and ready to roll.
Winterize your fluids. Check that your coolant and anti-freeze are within recommended levels. Don’t forget to grab some winter wiper fluid. It’s designed to combat icing so it’s less likely to freeze on your windshield.
Test your battery. The older a battery is the less likely you are to make it through winter. Especially if you park your vehicle outside. Finding out how it’s currently performing will save you a few headaches when the temp drops. Swing through the Service Center with this COUPON and our team will check it for free!
Being prepared for the unexpected makes all the difference. It’s the little things, like keeping your phone in your pocket and NOT in the cup holder, that can save the day. Remember, a little prep goes a long way so drive safely and stay warm out there!
6ish Winter Features
We may be slightly biased but wholeheartedly believe that Midwest drivers are the BEST drivers ever. Probably because we have to know how to handle our car in pretty much every possible weather condition. Of course, finding a vehicle that can handle winter is more than just checking the tire tread and making sure there’s room for your survival kit in the trunk. Look for these 6ish (we’ve combined a few!) features with your next vehicle purchase and kick your winter driving confidence up a notch.
Remote Start: This is a gimmie, right? The ability to start your car and have it warmed up before you leave the house tops the wish list for nearly every Midwesterner. Do your homework though! If the remote start is factory installed it’s designed to function properly with your vehicle. However, some models do just what they say. Remotely start the car. That’s it! If your remote start is an aftermarket purchase and installed somewhere else you’ll want to consider options that allow for your heated seats and defrosters to turn on with the vehicle. Don’t forget to upgrade and include keyless entry so you don’t have to turn your vehicle off to unlock it. Chevy, Buick, and GMC models offer an app that lets you remote start and more from your smartphone!
Heated Seats/Steering Wheel: These options are more about comfort than safety but hey, a comfortable driver is more alert behind the wheel. That’s our spin and we’re sticking to it! The heated seats feature can be found for both Driver and front passenger or available to all seats depending on the make/model of the vehicle. Once you have it, you’ll never want to live without it. Plus it’s an important option for the resale value of your car. Heated steering wheels are becoming more common too. They use an electric current to keep the wheel and your fingers toasty. Glove free means a better grip so we’ll call this a safety feature too!
Winter Tires: Not everyone has the budget or the storage space for a spare set of tires. If you do…modern snow tires are the way to go! They use a combo of tread patterns and special rubber, designed to stay soft at cold temperatures. Helping to maintain traction on ice and snow throughout the winter months. However, if you’d prefer wheels that you can leave on your car all year long, high quality all-season tires are the next best thing for your vehicle’s traction control. Either way, be sure to check with our Service Department for tire specials. They’ll make sure the best tires for your vehicle are in stock and ready to roll.
Heated Mirrors/Windshield Wipers: Here’s a feature you probably already have and might not even know about! Much like your rear defrost, heated mirrors use a heating element to keep outside mirrors free from fog and ice. This option is common on most newer makes/models and eliminates the icy build-up that often occurs when in transit! Another great option…heated windshield wipers. Yes, that’s a thing! There’s nothing worse than hitting the road after clearing your car of snow and ice only to have ice build-up on the wipers while you’re driving. It’s dangerous and a hassle to boot. Heated wiper blades use heating elements and a temperature sensor to automatically help melt the ice off your windshield as they swipe back and forth. No more de-icing your blades at stoplights!
Stability Control: Most cars have anti-lock brakes and traction control these days. Stability control is taking it to the next level! Traction control simply monitors driven wheels to ensure that they’re not slipping. Stability control sensors detect sideways motion so the system kicks in when a driver starts sliding and sets you straight! Don’t forget, if you DO get stuck, turn that traction control off. It’s designed to prevent wheels from spinning and unlikely to send power to wheels you know are buried in the snow or spinning on ice.
AWD: If you’re hitting the less-plowed country roads in the Greater Rockford Area you’ll come to rely on this feature. The system is built to deliver or cut power to each wheel, improving your traction and stability. Some are even designed to transfer power to the wheel with the most traction. Right to left and front to back. The feature certainly helps you accelerate and maintain control when driving but it does not provide braking assistance. Yep, even with AWD you need to take it easy and brake slowly. You’ll find AWD on many types of vehicles from compacts to SUVs and full-size trucks. Your Lou Bachrodt Sales Specialist can point you to vehicles on the lot that have this important winter feature.
Life doesn’t stop because it snowed and like it or not the snow will come. Truth is, the best winter survival kit is one that doesn’t get used. New or pre-owned, when you’re shopping for your next vehicle look for a car, truck, or SUV with these features to keep your family safe all year long.
6ish Winter Features
6ish Winter Features
We may be slightly biased but wholeheartedly believe that Midwest drivers are the BEST drivers ever. Probably because we have to know how to handle our car in pretty much every possible weather condition. Of course, finding a vehicle that can handle winter is more than just checking the tire tread and making sure there’s room for your survival kit in the trunk. Look for these 6ish (we’ve combined a few!) features with your next vehicle purchase and kick your winter driving confidence up a notch.
Remote Start: This is a gimmie, right? The ability to start your car and have it warmed up before you leave the house tops the wish list for nearly every Midwesterner. Do your homework though! If the remote start is factory installed it’s designed to function properly with your vehicle. However, some models do just what they say. Remotely start the car. That’s it! If your remote start is an aftermarket purchase and installed somewhere else you’ll want to consider options that allow for your heated seats and defrosters to turn on with the vehicle. Don’t forget to upgrade and include keyless entry so you don’t have to turn your vehicle off to unlock it. Chevy, Buick, and GMC models offer an app that lets you remote start and more from your smartphone!
Heated Seats/Steering Wheel: These options are more about comfort than safety but hey, a comfortable driver is more alert behind the wheel. That’s our spin and we’re sticking to it! The heated seats feature can be found for both Driver and front passenger or available to all seats depending on the make/model of the vehicle. Once you have it, you’ll never want to live without it. Plus it’s an important option for the resale value of your car. Heated steering wheels are becoming more common too. They use an electric current to keep the wheel and your fingers toasty. Glove free means a better grip so we’ll call this a safety feature too!
Winter Tires: Not everyone has the budget or the storage space for a spare set of tires. If you do…modern snow tires are the way to go! They use a combo of tread patterns and special rubber, designed to stay soft at cold temperatures. Helping to maintain traction on ice and snow throughout the winter months. However, if you’d prefer wheels that you can leave on your car all year long, high quality all-season tires are the next best thing for your vehicle’s traction control. Either way, be sure to check with our Service Department for tire specials. They’ll make sure the best tires for your vehicle are in stock and ready to roll.
Heated Mirrors/Windshield Wipers: Here’s a feature you probably already have and might not even know about! Much like your rear defrost, heated mirrors use a heating element to keep outside mirrors free from fog and ice. This option is common on most newer makes/models and eliminates the icy build-up that often occurs when in transit! Another great option…heated windshield wipers. Yes, that’s a thing! There’s nothing worse than hitting the road after clearing your car of snow and ice only to have ice build-up on the wipers while you’re driving. It’s dangerous and a hassle to boot. Heated wiper blades use heating elements and a temperature sensor to automatically help melt the ice off your windshield as they swipe back and forth. No more de-icing your blades at stoplights!
Stability Control: Most cars have anti-lock brakes and traction control these days. Stability control is taking it to the next level! Traction control simply monitors driven wheels to ensure that they’re not slipping. Stability control sensors detect sideways motion so the system kicks in when a driver starts sliding and sets you straight! Don’t forget, if you DO get stuck, turn that traction control off. It’s designed to prevent wheels from spinning and unlikely to send power to wheels you know are buried in the snow or spinning on ice.
AWD: If you’re hitting the less-plowed country roads in the Greater Rockford Area you’ll come to rely on this feature. The system is built to deliver or cut power to each wheel, improving your traction and stability. Some are even designed to transfer power to the wheel with the most traction. Right to left and front to back. The feature certainly helps you accelerate and maintain control when driving but it does not provide braking assistance. Yep, even with AWD you need to take it easy and brake slowly. You’ll find AWD on many types of vehicles from compacts to SUVs and full-size trucks. Your Lou Bachrodt Sales Specialist can point you to vehicles on the lot that have this important winter feature.
Life doesn’t stop because it snowed and like it or not the snow will come. Truth is, the best winter survival kit is one that doesn’t get used. New or pre-owned, when you’re shopping for your next vehicle look for a car, truck, or SUV with these features to keep your family safe all year long.
Road Trip Readiness
2020 has us all needing a getaway! It’s your last chance to road trip before the kids are back to school or e-learning so plan some fun for the family and hit the open road. Pick a spot on the map and get ready to go with these road trip pro tips PLUS a checklist to get you on your way.
Tidy Up: Even if you’re not a neat freak you’ll want to start with a clean car. Run the vacuum, wipe down the windows, and remove bulky items you won’t need while you’re traveling. If you won’t be golfing you can leave the clubs behind! Don’t forget a roll of paper towels for spills along the way. Ask any Mom, a wet wash cloth in a baggie can save the day! PRO TIP: Pack a few garbage bags to make clean-up a breeze.
Bring Home With: You’ll for sure want to pack some comforts of home for the ride. A long ride is that much better with your favorite blanket, a pillow, and a few essentials like antibacterial wipes and small first aid kit. Remember, good radio and cell service is not always easy to find so have back up tunes saved to your device. PRO TIP: Don’t forget the charging cords. A device with a low battery in the middle of nowhere is what nightmares are made of. Especially if you’re traveling with kids!
Organization is Key: Take a minute to sort through those extra compartments before you go. Make sure you have a current insurance card, your registration info, and know where your AAA card is. If you’re not already a member of AAA or other roadside service club look into it! Peace of mind goes a long way when you’re traveling and need a tow, lock your keys in the car, or the battery dies. PRO TIP: Write down or print a list of phone numbers just in case. If something happens to your phone you’ll be glad you did.
Apps on the Go: Do yourself (and your data plan) a favor and download before you go. There’s a plethora of apps to make your trip easier with real time traffic info, cheap gas finders, and foodie finds along the way. PRO TIP: Roadtrippers.com is both a website and an app so you can take your research with you and discover fun stops along the way.
Snack Attack: Road trip calories don’t count so stock up! It’s literally one of the best parts of taking a road trip. Plan ahead and configure your cooler so it’s accessible and items are easy to grab. If your adventure buddy has four paws don’t forget their treats and water for on the go. Fresh fruit and veggies will balance out the sugar and carbs. PRO TIP: Fill a few water bottles halfway and toss them in the freezer. They’ll act as ice packs for your trip snacks and you’ll have water when you need it!
Ready Your Ride: America is less “on the go” than ever which means your car has been sitting more than usual in 2020. Making sure your ride is in top notch condition will make your trip safer, more enjoyable, and easier on your wallet! Getting your car checked out a week before you plan to leave will give you time to fix any potential issues. Once you hit the road even a quick fix can delay your adventure or leave you stranded with kids, pets, and cranky parents. Let your mechanic know you’re heading out of town and make sure you’re ready to roll. PRO TIP: estimate your fuel funds BEFORE you go? Check out the user-friendly fuel calculator.
Road Trip Maintenance Check List
- Oil Change
- Brake Fluid
- Windshield Wiper Fluid
- Coolant
- Power Steering
- Tire Pressure. Don’t forget your spare!
- Lightbulbs including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazards
- Wiper blades are free of tears and in operational condition
- Look for leaks. Placing a large piece of cardboard under your parked vehicle makes it easier to find drips!
At Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall we’re making your trip easier than ever with pickup and drop off services, touchless payment options, and free alignment checks. Make an appointment or call (815)332-3000 to schedule your road trip service today. Most importantly…have fun, make memories, and send us a postcard!
Road Trip Readiness
Road Trip Readiness
2020 has us all needing a getaway! It’s your last chance to road trip before the kids are back to school or e-learning so plan some fun for the family and hit the open road. Pick a spot on the map and get ready to go with these road trip pro tips PLUS a checklist to get you on your way.
Tidy Up: Even if you’re not a neat freak you’ll want to start with a clean car. Run the vacuum, wipe down the windows, and remove bulky items you won’t need while you’re traveling. If you won’t be golfing you can leave the clubs behind! Don’t forget a roll of paper towels for spills along the way. Ask any Mom, a wet wash cloth in a baggie can save the day! PRO TIP: Pack a few garbage bags to make clean-up a breeze.
Bring Home With: You’ll for sure want to pack some comforts of home for the ride. A long ride is that much better with your favorite blanket, a pillow, and a few essentials like antibacterial wipes and small first aid kit. Remember, good radio and cell service is not always easy to find so have back up tunes saved to your device. PRO TIP: Don’t forget the charging cords. A device with a low battery in the middle of nowhere is what nightmares are made of. Especially if you’re traveling with kids!
Organization is Key: Take a minute to sort through those extra compartments before you go. Make sure you have a current insurance card, your registration info, and know where your AAA card is. If you’re not already a member of AAA or other roadside service club look into it! Peace of mind goes a long way when you’re traveling and need a tow, lock your keys in the car, or the battery dies. PRO TIP: Write down or print a list of phone numbers just in case. If something happens to your phone you’ll be glad you did.
Apps on the Go: Do yourself (and your data plan) a favor and download before you go. There’s a plethora of apps to make your trip easier with real time traffic info, cheap gas finders, and foodie finds along the way. PRO TIP: Roadtrippers.com is both a website and an app so you can take your research with you and discover fun stops along the way.
Snack Attack: Road trip calories don’t count so stock up! It’s literally one of the best parts of taking a road trip. Plan ahead and configure your cooler so it’s accessible and items are easy to grab. If your adventure buddy has four paws don’t forget their treats and water for on the go. Fresh fruit and veggies will balance out the sugar and carbs. PRO TIP: Fill a few water bottles halfway and toss them in the freezer. They’ll act as ice packs for your trip snacks and you’ll have water when you need it!
Ready Your Ride: America is less “on the go” than ever which means your car has been sitting more than usual in 2020. Making sure your ride is in top notch condition will make your trip safer, more enjoyable, and easier on your wallet! Getting your car checked out a week before you plan to leave will give you time to fix any potential issues. Once you hit the road even a quick fix can delay your adventure or leave you stranded with kids, pets, and cranky parents. Let your mechanic know you’re heading out of town and make sure you’re ready to roll. PRO TIP: estimate your fuel funds BEFORE you go? Check out the user-friendly fuel calculator.
Road Trip Maintenance Check List
- Oil Change
- Brake Fluid
- Windshield Wiper Fluid
- Coolant
- Power Steering
- Tire Pressure. Don’t forget your spare!
- Lightbulbs including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazards
- Wiper blades are free of tears and in operational condition
- Look for leaks. Placing a large piece of cardboard under your parked vehicle makes it easier to find drips!
At Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall we’re making your trip easier than ever with pickup and drop off services, touchless payment options, and free alignment checks. Make an appointment or call (815)332-3000 to schedule your road trip service today. Most importantly…have fun, make memories, and send us a postcard!
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