Maintaining Your Car in Colchester

A Colchester car loan is a major financial investment, which provides added incentive to care for your vehicle properly. We’ll give you tips on how to keep your vehicle in top condition while living in Colchester, VT.

The Right Mechanic

Finding a trustworthy and competent mechanic is important regardless of where you live. In Colchester, where the average low temperature in January and February is 10 degrees, cars face inhospitable conditions that make a good mechanic an especially important asset. Though Colchester is a very small town, its residents are fortunate enough to have a quality full-service car maintenance and repair center within the city limits. MasterTech Automotive provides a more affordable alternative to dealership auto service, and they welcome both foreign and domestic vehicles. Begun in 2002, MasterTech has state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and employs only ASE-certified mechanics. The shop’s contact information is included below.

MasterTech Automotive 65 Elm Court Colchester, VT 05446 802-652-9991

Fueling Up

Maintaining at least a half a tank of gas at all times is a wise safety precaution, particularly during Colchester’s brutal winters. In addition to helping you avoid getting stranded, keeping your gas tank at least half full will also help prevent ice crystals from forming and freezing up your fuel line. If you’re looking for a place to fuel up, try the Exxon gas station on 3570 Roosevelt Highway or the Shell station on 816 W Lakeshore Dr.

Winterizing

Once fall hits, you should take your vehicle in to be winterized as soon as possible. The first snow or ice storm can come sooner than you expect, so prepare yourself with the following winterizing tips:

• Put the proper kind of oil in your car. During Colchester’s winter months, you will probably need to use a less thick, or less viscous, oil in your vehicle. Oil naturally thickens during the winter and won’t function properly if it becomes too viscous. To find out what oil you should use in the winter, consult your owner’s manual.
• Visibility is key. Winter muck can quickly obscure your view out of your car’s windshield, so replacing worn-out wiper blades will also help you stay safe in the winter. Also keep your windshield washer fluid well-stocked during the winter. Don’t use plain water; it will freeze.
• Test your battery’s charge. If your battery is more than three years old, you should have your mechanic test its charge. You should also check to make sure your battery has sufficient water and is free of corrosion. A blizzard isn’t the best time to find out your battery is on its last legs.
• Watch your tire pressure to maximize traction. Improperly inflated tires will not give you adequate traction to drive safely on slick, wintry roads. Regularly check your tire pressure during the winter and inflate as necessary. For the ideal pressure for your vehicle, consult the owner’s manual.

Essex Road Trips are also a great way to spend your weekends in Vermont.