Is Your Heater and Defroster Working Properly

Winter brings snow, ice and cold temperatures. Your car’s heating system is vital to your safety. It not only keeps you warm but keeps the windshield and rear window clear of ice, and from fogging up. Check all the functions of the heater and defroster. Make sure the heater fan motor is working on all speeds and make sure that the heater changes from the defrost mode, heater mode (floor vent) and regular vent. Move the temperature selector from cold too hot to ensure that the heater system is responding correctly. Also, make sure that the rear defroster is working properly. If any of these functions are not operating properly, see your service professional today.

Car Care Tips - Winter Driving

Driving during the winter months can be challenging. Getting stuck on the road is more than an inconvenience in the cold winter months. The only way to lower the odds of a breakdown is through preventive maintenance.

• Car batteries typically last 4-6 years and can fail without warning. If you car battery is more than 3 years old, have it tested today.
• A leaking muffler can cause exhaust gases to escape into the passenger compartment, and may cause the driver and occupants to become drowsy. This is an unsafe condition.
• Tires are important all year round but are your lifeline during a winter storm. If you intend on driving on snowy days, you should consider snow tires.
• Test your car’s heater and defroster for the winter months.
• Slow down during winter storms. Allow more time for stopping and drive with extreme caution.
• Snow storms can cause visibility problems, another reason to slow down and drive with caution.

Stock your car for that ‘just in case’ moment
Stranded by the side of the road can be dangerous in the best of conditions, but when sub-zero temperatures or bad weather is involved, it can be downright deadly. Carrying these supplies may save your life: - a blanket, - jumper cables, - a flashlight, - chains, - a first-aid kit, - a small knife, - flares
- a couple energy bars, - watergloves, ,- small shovel, - waterproof matches, - ice scraper, - a bag of sand or kitty litter to help provide traction if your car is stuck in the snow, and never forget your cell phone.

 

A little preparation goes a long way to keep your car running smoothly during the winter months. Not only will the right tools and maintenance protect you and your car from the elements, but they will also keep you safe.

January 2012 Automotive Checklist

A New Year's Resolution For Your Car

A New Year's resolution for your car helps you understand how becoming more organized will help keep your car in top running condition. Look how things like keeping good car repair records and keeping on top of car service reminders, plus some new seasonal car care tips, can help keep your car running longer. (NewsUSA) - Getting more organized is a common New Year's Resolution -- whether it's a harried taxpayer's pledge to be a better record keeper or a pack rat's promise to de-clutter. "Getting organized works wonders for the family car," notes Martin Lawson, editorial director for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). "The money saved from approaching your vehicle in a systematic manner is a pretty strong incentive to keep your resolution." The following tips from Osceola Garage will help motorists get and stay organized. - Record Keeping. Keep a copy of every completed work order, from oil changes and brake service to major repairs. In addition to helping document any warranty work, a complete service record is very appealing to potential buyers. - Service Reminders. Read your owner's manual and follow the service schedules listed. We send out automatic reminders to our regular customers and other shops will send or should sent out as well.. Many of today's manufacturers include e-mailed reminders and even remote satellite diagnostic reports. Timely, regular maintenance saves money in the long run by helping your vehicle run efficiently. - Tactical Care. Don't ignore service-engine lights, poor engine performance, rough handling, fading brakes or other issues that present themselves. Neglect can cost more in the long run by making minor issues worse. For example, brake pads are cheaper and easier to replace than are brake rotors. - Housekeeping. Don't use the trunk as a catch-all. Keep only essential items there. Remove roof-top cargo carriers as soon as your trip is over. Less clutter means less weight, which means better gasoline mileage. Keep your vehicle's interior clean of trash and clutter and vacuum the seats and carpeting on a regular basis to prevent premature wear and tear and staining. Wax your car at least once a year to help preserve the paint job (and its resale value). - Heal Thyself. Other automotive resolutions are less about your vehicle and more about you. Avoid jackrabbit starts; sudden accelerations waste fuel and are hard on the engine. Slow down; speeding greatly decreases miles per gallon. Hard stops wear out brakes. Visit www.osceolagarage.com for seasonal car care tips and information about our automotive shop and  certified automotive technicians.

Seniors Heading South for Winter

Tips on storing your car for the winter months

Many people head down south for warmer weather this time of the year and leave their cars behind. Storing your car properly for the winter is important to avoid issues when you return in the spring. Here are a few simple tips to help prepare your car for the duration.  

• Change the oil just prior to storage.
• Oil absorbs moisture and if old oil is left in the engine, moisture may evaporate out of the oil and condense on the engine internals causing corrosion. Also, oil becomes acidic with use and should be changed for this reason also. 
• Ideally you will want to keep your car in a garage, or at least in an enclosed area, protected from the elements.  Never park your car for extended periods over dirt, grass or gravel.
• Make sure your tire pressure is at least at the correct pressure. Some people add a few pounds extra due to possible loss of tire pressure over time.
• You should purchase a devise know has a Battery Tender. This will maintain the proper charge in the battery. Batteries will go dead within a month’s time without a charge. 
• Wash the car thoroughly, inside and out.  Dirt, tree sap, salt, etc can be damaging to the car’s exterior and paint. Wash the car thoroughly, inside and out.  Dirt, tree sap, salt, etc can be damaging to the exterior and paint.
• Fill the Gas Tank and add fuel stabilizer to the fuel.
• Check all the fluids, especially the antifreeze.
• Do not engage the parking brake. Having the parking brake engaged all winter may result in seized brake cables and other brake components.
• Check your State Inspection date, if it is due to expire when you are gone, you should probably have it taken care of before you leave.

A little preparation before you leave will save you a lot of grief when you return.

PUT A SMILE ON A CHILD'S FACE THIS HOLIDAY

Osceola Garage and

Toys for Tots Foundation

Delivering Happiness to Children

This Holiday Season
    

Please help them by donating an unwrapped toy stop down starting November 25th at Osceola Garage and drop off your kind donation. 

U.S. Marine Corps Reserve

Toys for Tots Program
 

MISSION:

 

The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

GOAL:

The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

OBJECTIVE:

The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

ACTIVITIES:

The principal Toys for Tots activity which takes place each year is the collection and distribution of toys in the communities in which a Marine Corps Reserve Unit is located.  In communities without a Reserve Unit, the campaign can be conducted by a Marine Corps League Detachment or group of men and women, generally veteran Marines, authorized by Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to conduct a local Toys for Tots campaign.  Local Toys for Tots Campaign Coordinators conduct an array of activities throughout the year, which include golf tournaments, foot races, bicycle races and other voluntary events designed to increase interest in Toys for Tots, and concurrently generate toys and monetary donations.

Donate Your Vehicle Today!

Cars for Tots will take any vehicle, anywhere in America, running or not. This is an alternative to the hassle of selling or trading-in yourself, and you get a tax deduction and a big thanks from us.   

To donate:  call 877-999-8322 or for details Go to Toys for Tots Vehicle Donation Program.