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Thom's Four Wheel Drive

Monthly Archives: January 2019

How Severe Cold Affects Your Car (And What to Do about It)

In much of the eastern and midwestern United States, it’s that time of year when it is so bitterly freezing that even a 30-degree day can feel like a balmy respite. Temperatures plummet into the single digits, wind chills are painful and dangerous, and talk of polar vortexes and bomb cyclones fills the media. It’s cold outside. Few places in the U.S. know cold better than Alaska, and James Grant, who owns Right Choice Automotive Repair in Fairbanks, has seen a bit of what frigid temperatures can do to vehicles. We talked with Grant as well as the Car Care Council to find out how t ... read more

Categories:

Driver Safety

Driving Safely All Winter Long

When winter hits, so do a variety of weather challenges — from heavy snow and ice to below-zero temperatures. What do these conditions mean for your daily drive? According to the National Weather Service, icy roads can lead to an increase in traffic accidents. To help stay safe on the roads, brush up on your winter car driving know-how with these safety tips. 1. Build a Winter Car Emergency Kit It’s always better to be prepared for a roadside situation, just in case. Keep a winter  ... read more

Categories:

Driver Safety

No Need to 'Warm Up' Modern Vehicles in Cold Weather

It is that time of the year when many motorists wonder if they need to let their vehicle “warm up” or idle before driving. In fact, today’s modern cars are ready to drive in cold temperatures without excessive idling, says the Car Care Council. The idea of idling before driving dates back to when cars were built with carburetors. With new fuel-injection technology, complex computer systems and thinner synthetic oils, drivers don’t need to warm up their cars before hitting the road. According to the Environmental Protection Agency ( ... read more

Categories:

Automotive News

Change Your Wiper Blades Twice Yearly at Thom's Four Wheel Drive

Because 90% of our driving decisions are based on visual information, unobscured vision is paramount. Which brings us to the topic of today's Thom's Four Wheel Drive article: wiper blades. While this isn't the most exciting automotive subject, it's important. You wouldn't drive at night in CHICAGO with your headlights off, but a dirty or streaked vehicle windshield can catch the glare of the sun or on-coming headlights and make it just as difficult to see. Most of us in CHICAGO replace our wiper blades when they no longer do the ... read more

Thom's Four Wheel Drive Radiator Service

The coolant system is a vital part of your vehicle. It is also the second most common cause for vehicle failures. Even though coolant system failure is fairly common in CHICAGO, it is easy to prevent. The most recognizable part of the coolant system is the radiator. It is connected to the engine with hoses and is filled with coolant. The coolant draws heat off the engine and then passes into the radiator. Air passes through cooling fins to reduce the temperature of the coolant and then it's back to the engine again. There are several ways for the cooli ... read more

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