Springtime Road Hazards: Potholes

Springtime is here! You might notice the emerging green grass, blooming flowers, and, unfortunately, potholes. Potholes are caused by the expansion and contraction of ground water after the water has entered into the ground under the pavement. These potholes can cause serious safety hazards and can damage your car causing expensive repairs. Large potholes cause instant damage to your tire and wheel while smaller potholes cause damage to your wheel and suspension resulting in future acceleration and alignment issues.

Our quick lane services offer a variety of options to help keep you safe from pothole damage:

1. Wheel alignment and tire balance: Potholes can end up creating uneven alignment in your tires. Tires that are not properly aligned can cause your vehicle to sway in different directions causing a reduction in your gas mileage and uneven wearing on your tires.

2. Tire rotation: Tire wear can happen for a variety of different reasons - especially spring potholes! Occasionally rotating your tires can help extend the lifespan of your tires. Tire rotations are quick and efficient for our staff at Quick Lane - you don’t even need an appointment!

3. Complete vehicle checkup: Our trained staff will take the time to give your vehicle a full inspection and provide you with a full vehicle diagnostic. This inspection will include inspection of tires, brakes, belts, and hoses. We also check coolant and oil levels.

4. Brake inspection and suspension check: Potholes can pop up out of nowhere, requiring drivers to take quick action. Regular maintenance of your vehicle's brakes is extremely important since brakes are built to wear over time. Hearing any squeaking or grinding noises is a good suggestion that it is time to get your brakes checked.

Don’t let Springtime potholes get you down this season. Protect your vehicle by getting a Spring tune-up! We have trained experts on hand to help restore vehicle damage and keep our customers safe at their convenience. We are available for service work in extended hours including weekends and weeknights. Reminder: No appointment is required. Stop by at any time for our expert vehicle support!

Winter Driving Tips

Driving in the winter can be a dangerous task for Minnesotans but your risk can be lowered by following a few simple steps before starting your journey on the snowy roads of Minnesota.

Share the roads with snowplows

Snowplows take up most of the road and affect a driver's vision while clearing the roads, but just remember they are making the roads safer for you. Be patient with snowplow drivers and stay back at least 5 car lengths so you can avoid the snow cloud that trails behind them. Slow down for the road-clearing vehicle and stay alert, as they tend to exit frequently and the warning signs can be difficult to see.

Slow down and be in control

Some drivers forget what could be on the roads in the winter and don’t adjust their driving,  which is what causes most accidents. Slow down and allow extra space between you and other vehicles. Avoid driving while tired to make sure you are focused on the task at hand when driving through a storm. Take away the distractions from your car and put away the cell phones.

Check your vehicle

Get your vehicle ready for the winter with a maintenance check-up. Make sure your windshield wipers are prepared for the weather and your tires have traction to bare the icy roads. Don’t forget to put your ice scraper in your car. Lastly, it is not a bad idea to keep washer fluid effective to –24.8 degrees and don’t let your fuel level go lower than half tank.

Be prepared

Have emergency supplies with you. This includes a charged cell phone or spare battery, non-perishable food, water, flashlight, blanket, warm clothes, winter boots, jumper cables, shovel and traction mats or sand.

Stay home in bad conditions

Don’t go out on the roads if you don’t have to. There is no point putting yourself and others at risk if the conditions are too much to bare. You may be able to drive in rough snow, but others might not be so fortunate. Check the weather before making travel plans to avoid any disappointments or major delays.

Put yourself and family first this winter season and take precaution when going out to drive. If you are looking to get a new vehicle to tackle Minnesota winter driving conditions, visit Tenvoordeford,com to check out our selection of new and used vehicles. Stay safe out there!