Delaware residents have been singing the familiar jingle
“rain, rain, go away” for well over a week due to the overcast, rainy skies
that have been plaguing the State since the beginning of February.
Thankfully, a reprieve has come, but according to Mr.
Weatherman, that reprieve will be short lived. With another long wet spell
heading our way, it would be beneficial for drivers to make sure their vehicles
are ready go.
So, how do you get your car ready to ride in the wet
weather? Surprisingly, it’s not a difficult list to check.
Check Your Tires
Given that the last time you had your tires changed was at
the beginning of the winter season, if not before that, a good place to start
would be to check the Tread Depth of your Tires. You do this by placing a penny
between the treads of your tires. If the Tread doesn’t come to President
Lincoln’s head, then you’re in need of Replacement Tires.
At Pugh’s Automotive Service we Install Tires and include
the Mount and Balance in the price of the installation.
Check Your Brakes
Since your Brakes are responsible for bringing your vehicle
to a halt in a timely manner, it is an excellent idea to have your Brake Pads
checked before the rainy season gets going.
In wet weather, your Brake Pads will often squeak when you
first use them. This isn’t a cause for concern unless the Squeak persists. If
the sound continues after you have driven the vehicle for a bit, this could
indicate that your Brake Pads are low and need to be replaced.
With so many different driving styles, it is difficult to
give a range of how long you should go between Brake Replacements, which is why
it recommended to have them checked every 3,000 miles or every three months.
Basically, have your Mechanic check your Brakes at every Oil Change.
Turn on Your
Wipers
Checking your wipers may seem like a very easy and commonplace
idea, but that is exactly why your Wiper Blades can be overlooked until the
moment you need them most.
If you see rain in the forecast, turn your Wiper Blades on for
a quick test by using your Washer Fluid controls. If your Wipers are leaving
streaks, then that could indicate a couple of things. First, they could just be
dirty, in which case all you need to do is wipe them off. If that doesn’t help,
then chances are your Wiper Blades are old and need to be replaced.
Now, if you go to use your Washer Fluid and the Wiper Blades
don’t move at all, that could indicate a bigger issue. This could mean anything
from a Bad Fuse to a Failed Wiper Motor, both of which need to be diagnosed by
a professional Automotive Mechanic.
Check Your Headlights
Again, checking to make sure your Headlights Operate
Properly seems like an obvious practice, but it is a step that is often
overlooked.
Since it is required by law that your Headlights must be on
if your Wipers are moving, then this is definitely something you want to make
sure is working properly.
If you have Automatic Headlights, all you need to do is
start your car and walk around front. If both lights are on, then you are all
set. If you have to manually turn on your Headlights, then start your car, find
the Headlight Control located on the side of your steering wheel and turn it to
the “on” position.
If by some reason your Headlights do not come on, whether
you have manual or automatic Headlights, you should take your car to a Mechanic
to see what the problem is. Typically, the only problem is a Bad Headlight
Bulb, but you could also have Burning or Loose Wires, a Bad Relay, or a Bad
Headlight Switch.
Whatever the issue, make sure to have this repaired by a
professional Mechanic, as replacing bulbs in some vehicles can be tricky.
If you were able to get through this list without a hitch,
then you are all set for the next rainstorm that comes along! If not, then
don’t fret, Pugh’s Automotive Service in Dover is there to help make sure your
car is ready for whatever the weather throws our way.
To schedule an appointment, just visit our website or call
(302)734-4231.
