Is Your Vehicle Ready for Winter?

Free Winter Check at Gulf Coast Firestone

At Gulf Coast Firestone, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable winter driving experience. Too often, motorists are caught off-guard by low tire pressure and untreated roads. The change of the seasons is a great time to prepare your vehicle for the driving conditions ahead. That's why Gulf Coast Firestone is offering a free winter check-in for motorists in D'Iberville, MS, Biloxi, MS, Gulfport, MS, and surrounding areas. Schedule your appointment with us today!

Here are some ways you can prepare your vehicle for winter driving conditions, so you can feel confident behind the wheel:

Check Your Wheel Alignment: The change of the seasons can also be a great time to check your vehicle's alignment. If your car's alignment is off, it can cause the tires to wear out faster or irregularly. You may also experience problems with the vehicle veering to the left or right and notice your steering wheel appears to be at an angle when driving straight. Because the alignment can decrease the longevity of your tires, it's recommended to check it before installing new ones. If it's been a while since you've had your wheel alignment checked, winter is a good time to do it. In the event of a snowstorm, and in regular driving conditions, you want to ensure you have control over your vehicle with no surprises in handling.

Inspect Your Brakes: Being able to stop safely is an essential part of driving. From pedestrian crossings and red lights to sudden traffic stops, you need to pull your vehicle to a stop frequently while on the road. Over time, your brake parts will experience wear and tear from regular use. Eventually, you'll need to replace them. If you're not sure what condition your brakes are in currently, ask for an inspection. A brake technician can let you know how your brakes look, so you can better time your replacement service. A decrease in the amount of time it takes to stop can be the difference between a close call and exchanging insurance information, especially in winter conditions. Make sure your brakes are a-okay this season.

Check Your Tires: Make sure your tires have decent tread remaining and are at the proper inflation levels. As tires lose tread, they lose their wet performance capabilities. A Consumers Report test on all-season tires shows a 7% increase in wet stopping distance when tires have half their tread remaining. Replace your tires when they are low on tread, and drive slow in the rain and over wet roads to reduce the risk of hydroplaning. In addition, make sure your tires are properly inflated. An inflated tire has a smaller contact patch than when it is underinflated. As a result, an inflated tire has less interaction with water on the road and less chance of hydroplaning compared to when it is underinflated.

When it's time to replace your tires, we have a great selection of tires available.

Check Fluid Levels & for Leaks: Winter vehicle maintenance should include a look at your automotive fluids and a search for leaks. Your vehicle operates thanks to the many fluids that flow throughout different systems. These fluids are essential and have important roles not limited to lubrication and cooling. Give your fluids a check to see if anything needs to be topped off, and inspect your vehicle for leaks. Automotive fluids include brake fluid, motor oil, windshield wiper fluid, coolant, and more.

Schedule Your Free Winter Check-In: Gulf Coast Firestone is offering free winter checks as a courtesy preventative measure for you and your vehicle. A technician will look over your vehicle and tell you if there are areas where a service is recommended. A winter check-in can lower the odds that your vehicle runs into trouble this season.

You can schedule a winter checkup with Gulf Coast Firestone.

Give us a call at (228) 396-2000, and we'll help you get your vehicle ready for winter driving conditions in D'Iberville, MS, Biloxi, MS, Gulfport, MS, and surrounding areas.

Contact us about Winter Vehicle Services