Maine is one of the coldest states in the country and Sanford, ME is a particularly chilly spot on the map, with January temperatures averaging a high of 32 degrees and a very frosty low of 12 degrees. We also get lots of rain in the winter which, at those very low temperatures, quickly turns to ice and makes the roads slippery. Here's a winter checklist that identifies some of the most vital wintertime tasks you can ask us to do for you at Marc Motors Nissan in Sanford, ME.
Winter checkpoint #1: Let us check your tires
You and your family depend heavily on the condition of your tires especially when the roads get slick in the winter. When moisture coats the streets and highways with rain, ice and snow, your tires are especially critical. We can examine your tread depth and make sure you've got enough good rubber. If your tires are starting to wear out, we have some oustanding winter tires in stock and we can install a new set for you.
Winter checkpoint #2: Be sure we check your battery
The battery in your Nissan car, truck or SUV has to crank harder to start your car when our Maine temperatures get down below the freezing level. One of our certified technicians can run a load test on your Nissan to see just how much charging power your battery currently has. It's considerably better to find out if your battery is starting to wear out when your car is in our service center than it is to get the news on a cold winter night when you're away from your home in Kennebunk, ME.
Winter checkpoint #3: Allow us to replace a worn-out battery
Since your battery doesn't send out audible or visual signals when it's losing power, it's a good idea to have us give your Nissan a complimentary load test. We can perform that test when you bring your car, truck or SUV in for a winter inspection. We can not only check your Nissan’s battery but also your charging system. If your battery is running low, we have a first-class selection of name-brand batteries and we can put one in your Nissan.
Winter checkpoint #4: Ask us to check your wheel alignment
Winter can be hard on roads here in Maine, creating potholes that are hard to miss and that can throw your car out of alignment. If your wheels and tires aren't properly aligned, your steering gets less precise and less accurate. When you’re driving over slippery, rainy roads around Saco, ME, that can be very risky. We can check your alignment and align your wheels if needed to help keep your family safer.
Winter checkpoint #5: Have check your antifreeze
Antifreeze is a special liquid that helps prevent the water in your engine's cooling system from freezing during the winter months. A good antifreeze like the kind we use helps keep engine temperatures from dropping too low when the outside air is particularly cold. In winter, your antifreeze lowers the freezing point in your radiator and helps prevent it from freezing up because that could cause a very expensive crack in your engine block.
Consider getting a new or quality used model before winter arrives
If your current vehicle is starting to wear out, it could easily be more susceptible to problems this winter. That's why it makes sense to explore the Nissan models in our new inventory or, if your budget is more limited, look for a quality pre-owned vehicle in our used inventory. Whatever you're driving, we encourage you to book an appointment in our service center for a wintertime check up at Marc Motors Nissan in Sanford, ME.