Chicago Cold Weather
Winter in the Chicago area can be a brutal experience. When the weather is frightful, your morning commute can be slow but uneventful or it can be downright nasty. If you aren’t prepared for extreme temperatures, bone-chilling winds, and lots of frozen precipitation, then don’t try and reside in the Chicago area.
Hong Kong Auto Service Winter Checkup
One of the wisest choices that you can make is a winter checkup from a reputable, local, independent repair facility like Hong Kong Auto Service. Here is a detailed look at the areas that Hong Kong Auto Service digs into to make sure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape.
Hong Kong Auto Service can visually inspect your vehicle from top to bottom.
- Tire and Wheel Inspection
Hong Kong Auto begins with a tire inspection. Tire wear, tire condition, and tire inflation can be tested. If tire replacement or an alignment is recommended, you will be notified and you can choose a direction to proceed. All tires will be inflated to the proper degree and rotated if necessary. - Battery, Starter, and Alternator Check
Load testing the battery, checking alternator output, and draw testing the starter for excessive amperage will yield problem areas before they let you down in the cold. If any parts need to be replaced, you will be given an estimate for repairs or replacement. - Exterior Lighting, Horns, and Wipers
All exterior lighting must be in good working order because nobody wants to be making repairs in the snow. Horns and windshield wipers will also be checked and any discrepancies will be noted for your approval before any parts are replaced. - Other fluids (level and condition) that can be tested:
• Engine oil
• Power steering fluid
• Brake fluid
• Engine Collant
• Transmission fluid
• Transfer case fluid (4WD)
• Differential gear lube - Steering and Suspension
The condition of the steering linkage and suspension components can be tested to ensure that nothing is broken or worn out. Ball joints, tie rod ends, shocks, and struts can be inspected and added to the estimate if they are subpar. - Engine Management
A state-of-the-art scanner can retrieve any system codes that may be stored in your vehicle. This could warn you of potential problems that are pending but haven’t reared their ugly head yet. Systems are the engine control system, transmission control system, antilock braking system, and body control system. Electric engine cooling fans should be tested using the scanner data stream to ensure the fans come on and turn off as commanded by the PCM. Shortcomings will be documented, and recommendations noted on the final estimate. - Brakes
Brake shoes and pads can be checked, along with drums, rotors, and brake hydraulics. With snow and ice on the ground, you want maximum stopping power on every trip. - Belts, Seals, and Gaskets
All visible engine drive belts can be checked for signs of cracking or other wear. Engine, transmission, transfer case, and differential seals and gaskets can be inspected for signs of leakage. Notable discrepancies will appear on a winter inspection report.
If You Are Feeling Car Care Insecure
At Hong Kong Auto Service, we understand that not everyone is obsessed with cars. You may be wondering if you are doing all you can to ensure your family’s safety or perhaps you want to change the wipers but aren’t sure how or which ones are best, stop by Hong Kong Auto Service.
Our ASE Certified mechanics will be happy to answer your questions and give you the best advice on how to keep you and your family safe while driving through the tough winter months.
Call us today for an appointment so you can have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your car is being maintained by true professionals who care about you.