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Preparing for a road trip this winter

 

How to prepare for a road trip this winter - Milstead Service Center, Conroe, TX

Conroe, United States - February 1, 2023 /Milstead Service Center/

Preparing for a road trip this winter

Winter is here - and this is the season to be jolly! A time to meet friends and family and long road trips over the holidays. What a wonderful feeling to plan a party and travel with friends! Here are a few tips on what you should have in your travel kit as you hit the road this festive season.

First and foremost, get your car to your trusted Milstead Service Center, and have them check the engine, tires, brakes, wipers, and all parts. Ascertain that the vehicle is in top shape for a long drive and tank up for a smooth journey. That’s the easy part. A professional check-up and service will guarantee that the car is winter-ready.

Emergency kit and extra supplies - planning for contingencies

AAA Texas recommends that every road traveler have a few extra supplies for a long road trip. Weather being unpredictable, it would be a shame to get caught up in freak winter weather events without supplies or connectivity. So, here’s what you should carry to be safe in adverse conditions.

1. An emergency kit comes in handy if you get stuck in a winter storm. The kit should contain the following supplies:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Radio
• Emergency flares to attract attention if stranded or a brightly-colored cloth to tie to the antennae to make it visible to anyone searching for you
• Reflectors
• Tire chains if the vehicle needs towing for auto repairs
• Ice scrapers - to keep windshields and windows free of ice
• Rock salt to melt the ice and sand or cat litter for traction
• Jumper cables
• Mobile phone charger

2. Besides these, a survival kit with food, medicines, and warm clothing is necessary.

• A first-aid kit with extra medications
• Extra blankets and sleeping bags
• Extra warm clothing for every person in the car - gloves, warm underclothing.
• Food and snacks for all passengers, including pets
• Rags and wipes
• Drinking water - can never be too much
• Road map

While on a road trip, particularly in inclement weather, keep the contact number of a good mechanic service handy. Also, make sure a couple of people not traveling with you know your travel plans and the route you are taking just in case you get cut off from a cell phone network or are lost.

What costs the most to repair a car?

Most of us forget that a car is a machine made up of many little and big parts that can malfunction at any time. Once a vehicle is bought and is in regular use, one tends to keep pushing it without thinking about its maintenance. Not paying attention to the upkeep of the car can have disastrous consequences.

• The engine is like the heart of the body. Regularly running checks on its running, oil changes, and electrical parts will reduce the risk of running unnecessary expenses.
• Transmission - a transmission breakdown can burn a hole in the pocket.
• The Head Gasket - seals the cylinders and prevents leaks.
• The Camshaft - should be serviced as often as needed.
• The Brake Line - is critical to stop the vehicle and should be protected from rusting.

Regular check-ups of these will eliminate the possibility of sudden auto repair and avoid significant expenses of between $1000 to $5000.

Why Milstead Service Center?

With three decades of service to the community and certifications from ASE and AAA, Milstead Service Center is a name that evokes trust and dependability in Conroe. A commitment to quality and charitable causes makes them valuable contributors to the community. To keep your vehicle in good health, visit Milstead Service Center, Conroe, TX, or call (936) 441-3500.

Driving carefully with caution in wet, wintry, inclement weather

 

How to drive cautiously with care in wet, wintry, inclement weather - Milstead Service Center, Conroe, TX

Conroe, United States - January 25, 2023 /Milstead Service Center/

Everyone loves going on a summer holiday - clear skies with glowing sunshine on a warm and bright day. But, a long drive in the winter, with gloomy skies and rain, black ice on the road, or sleet, is another story altogether. Motorists need to be extra careful to avoid any untoward incidents or accidents.

The first unwritten rule is to check that your car is in tip-top shape and ready for a long drive in adverse conditions. Take the vehicle to a professional service like Milstead Service Center and have them run all diagnostics and fix any possible issues before heading out on a winter holiday.

Tips for safe driving in winter

Following these basic pointers for driving in inclement weather will go a long way in keeping everyone in the car safe.

• Always wear a seatbelt. It is a lifeline.
• Always keep your eyes and focus on the road. It’s easy to get distracted by other cars, the scenery, or even the side rails on the road. Focus on the way and where you want to head. Not on the vehicle ahead as the reference point. It will help in navigation and anticipating how to maneuver.
• Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to avoid collision in case of sudden braking. Remember, a wet road or black ice can cause loss of traction, and the car can go into a skid with terrible consequences. Losing control can cause the back of the vehicle to fishtail or go into a spin.
• Watch out for larger trucks. Refrain from cutting across in front of them to move ahead. Larger trucks and trailers are heavy and can’t move quickly. If the driver needs to brake suddenly, the vehicle will not stop immediately.
• In case of a breakdown, make sure to have the number of auto repair shops along the route in a diary or a piece of paper in case the phone loses charge.
• Drive slowly and stay below the speed limit—sleet and rain hamper visibility. Telltale signs on the road get missed when speeding. If visibility is down, stop for a while and wait for conditions to improve.
• More speed means less control. Sudden braking on a road that is wet or has black ice can send the car into a skid. Slow and steady is the key. 
• If the car goes into a skid - do not panic or try to control the direction the vehicle is heading. Let go of the pedals and ease the car along the line of the skid for a bit until you get control. Only then steer back on course.
• If stuck on the road - check the exhaust of the car. It should not get clogged and cause deadly carbon monoxide to leak into the vehicle.
• Clear all windows of ice for better visibility.
• A pre-travel check of tires, tire treads, and wheel alignment will reduce the risk of accidents and the need for car repair.

Why is auto repair important?

Having a reliable and experienced mechanic to look after your car is important. Not only will the auto repair mechanic fix the vehicle when something is wrong, but he will also be able to figure out if there is an imminent issue since he knows the car well, so you will avoid getting stuck on the road. A dependable mechanic from a trustworthy auto repair shop will help you save time and money and get your vehicle on the road as soon as possible. Reach out to the car specialists to keep your car in top shape and running at all times. Call Milstead Service Center, Conroe, TX, for maintenance, tuning, and other services for your vehicle at (936) 441-3500. Drive safe!

Getting your car winterized with Milstead Service Center, Conroe, TX

 

How to get your car Winterized

Conroe, United States - January 19, 2023 /Milstead Service Center/

Getting your car winterized

Winter is here. And, like every year, most people have yet to take the trouble to check if their car is ready for the winter! A drive to spend the holidays with a friend or family is something to look forward to the whole year around. But, before stepping out with the car, it is a good idea to check if the vehicle is in good shape and ready to tackle the winter. With a few basic checks, you can take that long-awaited trip. Bring your car to Milstead Service Center and make sure your vehicle is ready for the winter.

• Engine and other electric parts - the heart of the car, which is the engine, and the battery lie beneath the hood. Ensure that the engine gets serviced and the battery checked before taking off on a long drive in winter. Battery fluid needs to be topped up as it depletes faster in winter. While servicing the engine, checking oil and coolant is a must. If a battery is three or more years old, it needs replacement with a new one. It may be troublesome during the winter. Checking all electrical connections for corrosion will make the car more efficient.
• The brakes - make sure they are functioning optimally. Failed brakes are one of the biggest causes of road accidents.
• Tires - Before the winter sets in, it is a great idea to check the condition of the tires. Older tires lose their treads and make the car skid. It is hazardous, especially on a wet road. When going in for auto repair, check the tires' psi, treads, wheel alignment, and balance before driving out on the road with snow or ice.
• Windscreen, wipers, and window - keeping the windscreen clean is a task while driving through a snowstorm. Use winter wiper blades and wiper fluid to keep the windscreen clear. Keep windows clean to improve visibility.
• Body and undercarriage of a car - precipitation damages the body and undercarriage of a vehicle. Salt and sand on the roads can do the same. It is necessary to wash down the car regularly, especially after driving through wet roads, as the body and undercarriage can get rusted with the combination of salt, sand, and moisture. Running the car for some time after a wash will ensure that water does not freeze in any part of the car.

These basic checks performed regularly on the vehicle by a trusted mechanic near me will ensure that it remains in good shape and gets ready for the winter. Besides these maintenance tips, use all caution when driving on wet roads. Do not speed and avoid sudden braking to prevent losing control of the car.

What type of car breaks down the most?

Surprisingly, some of the most coveted cars are the least reliable! So, while buying one of these cars may be a status symbol, one should consider the problem of repeated breakdowns and maintenance and repair issues. Chrysler, Fiat, Jaguar, Chevrolet, Lincoln, and Cadillac are the least reliable despite being luxury cars. If you are thinking of buying one of these, get an extended warranty for the repairs which are likely to be frequent.

Why Milstead Service Center?

Milstead Service Center has served car owners in the Conroe community for the last 30 years. Thoroughly professional and trustworthy, they have made a name for themselves by providing quality service to their clients every time. For the best auto repair service and maintenance set-up in Conroe, Texas, call Milstead Service Center at (936) 441-3500. Get Winterized. Drive safely!