10 Automobile Tips for the Agent on the Go in the Winter.......
In the Real Estate or related profession, you are always on the go. In the Winter, your car responds differently than in warm weather. Besides warming up your car before driving, you should prepare for the winter Season with the following tips.
Acrylic Painting by Larry Johnston©
1. ENGINE
Check your antifreeze to make sure your liquid in the radiator can handle the extreme cold temperatures. Check belts and hoses for wear and replace if necessary. They will become hard and brittle in cold weather.
2. BRAKES
Have your brakes checked before Winter and have the pads replaced if badly worn.
3. BATTERY
Batteries usually last from 3 to 5 years, but I have had to replace a battery after the first year, so have it checked and replaced if necessary.
4. GAS
Make sure, during the winter you keep your tank near full. You never know when you will be sitting in a snow bank for several hours. If you do, be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning from the fumes, if they get into the drivers compartment. During the winter months, whenever you fill your tank, put in some gas line anti-freeze, or you may find yourself along side the road with a frozen gas line.
5. OIL
During the old weather, oil will become thicker than in the Summer. This will put a strain on your battery and make it harder to start. Make sure you change your oil and put in all weather oil or lighter weight oil.
6. TIRES
Have your tire pressure checked to make sure they are inflated to the recommended pressure. It is best to have the tires rotated so that the tires with the most tread is on the drive axle. Your car will grip the snow better.
7. WIPERS
Change your wipers just before Winter. The rubber becomes hard and will crack and split, therefore not performing properly. Make sure you have an anti-freeze windshield washer in the washer container and keep it full throughout the winter.
8. BLANKETS
In case you are stick without heat, a blanket comes in handy. If you are in an accident and have to stand outside your vehicle waiting for help, you can wrap it around you to stay warm.
9. FIRST AID KIT
You should have first aid kit all year around. You never know when you have to break and window and crawl out.
10. FLASHLIGHT
If you are a Real Estate Agent, you should already have a flashlight, but make sure you have a flashlight with extra batteries.
Now that you have prepared your car for the cold weather, make sure that when you are warming up your car, with the keys in it, that you are able to lock the doors to prevent theft of your vehicle.
So, when you get that call to show a home and the client is sitting in front of it waiting for you to show, you can jump in your car with the confidence that your vehicle make it.
Oh, Drive Safely and watch for Black Ice!
-----------------------------------------
If you know anyone that wants to buy or sell a home in the Elkhart County area,
have them call me:
Larry Johnston, 574-304-7577, Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC, Elkhart, Indiana, or email