Winter Maintenance For Your Car or Truck - How To Avoid Unpleasant Surprises!

January 10, 2021
Winter Maintenance For Your Car or Truck - How To Avoid Unpleasant Surprises!

The winter months are some of the most magical of the year. Even if we don’t get much snow, there’s just something about crisp, winter air, right? As much as we love the reprieve from the warm months of summer, your car requires a little extra maintenance to ensure its working to its best capabilities during those cold months. As you're driving to and from home to visit your families and celebrate holidays, the wear and tear on your car requires a little more TLC. The cold temperatures can be a little tough for your vehicle, but don’t sweat it, we’re here to help.

5 tips for WINTER MAINTENANCE

    1. Wash Your Car: Although we may not snow very often here in Georgia, it is still important to maintain a clean car. Winter elements can cause damage to your car’s paint and even lead to rust, so just be sure to wash yours thoroughly and frequently, and you’ll be good to go!

    2.Swap Your Wiper Blades: Although snow doesn’t happen often, we still want you to be safe and prepared when it does. Swapping your wiper blades will help ensure visibility when it suddenly starts to snow out of the blue. Winter is full of unpredictable weather, so we want to make sure you are fully equipped for anything Mother Nature throws at you this season. 

    3. Check Your Battery: Cold weather can be particularly harsh on your car battery, but the mornings where you’re in a rush and your car won’t start can easily be avoided, and we’ll tell you how. A weak car battery can survive through the summer, but through the winter is a different story. So, as the winter months start creeping up, and you feel the tell-tale chill in the air, you can have your battery tested to make sure it’s in the best condition. If need be, that’s the perfect time to get it replaced, so you’ll have a winter full of mornings where you’re always on time. 

    4. Check Your Heater: The feeling of a warm car after walking through icy air is the best. Even in Georgia, it can still get extremely cold during the winter, so you depend on your car heater a lot during those times. Be sure to check your heater and defroster are working by turning it on and seeing if it pushes out warm air. We promise it will be worth it as your nose finally defrosts when you climb in your car.   

Team Ryan Automotive wants to keep your car running to its best capabilities this winter. If you need to schedule an appointment or have any questions, please give us a call 678.765.7926 or visit us at teamryanautomotive.com.

Stay Road-Ready: Summer Car Emergency Kit Essentials from Team Ryan Automotive

By Dan Ryan • May 21, 2025
How Essential Is a Summer Emergency Kit?

How Heat Affects Your Tires and What You Can Do About It

By Dan Ryan • May 9, 2025
Summer heat affects every part of your car, but your tires are especially vulnerable. The hot pavement, rising internal pressure, and long drives can all contribute to tire failure. At Team Ryan Automotive, we want to make sure your tires stay safe and road-ready all season. Here is how summer heat impacts your tires and what you can do to protect them. 1. Increased Air Pressure As temperatures rise, so does the air pressure inside your tires. For every 10-degree increase in temperature, tire pressure can rise by one to two pounds per square inch (PSI). Overinflation can cause tires to wear unevenly and increase the risk of a blowout. Check your tire pressure regularly and adjust it according to your vehicle’s recommended levels. 2. Faster Tread Wear Heat softens rubber, making it wear down more quickly. This is especially true if you are driving at high speeds on hot asphalt. Inspect your tires weekly during the summer for signs of excessive or uneven tread wear. If you notice balding or sidewall damage, it is time for a replacement. 3. Risk of Blowouts Blowouts are more common in summer because the combination of high speed, high pressure, and worn tires creates the perfect storm. To reduce your risk, avoid overloading your vehicle, maintain proper tire pressure, and replace old or worn tires as soon as needed. 4. Importance of Tire Rotation Rotating your tires helps them wear evenly, improving traction and extending their lifespan. Team Ryan Automotive recommends rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. This simple step can save you money and help keep your vehicle safe. 5. Alignment and Balancing Improper wheel alignment or unbalanced tires can cause uneven wear and strain on your suspension. If your vehicle pulls to one side or your steering wheel vibrates at high speeds, schedule a wheel alignment and tire balancing service. This can enhance tire performance and improve ride comfort. Visit Team Ryan Automotive for Tire Safety Tire safety is essential for your comfort, performance, and protection. If you are not sure about the condition of your tires, let our experts take a look. We offer tire inspections, pressure adjustments, rotations, alignments, and tire replacements. Whether you are commuting around town or planning a summer getaway, we will make sure your tires are ready for the heat. Keep your summer rolling smoothly with tire care you can trust. Schedule your tire service today at Team Ryan Automotive.

Top 5 Road Trip Tips to Prevent Breakdowns This Summer

By Dan Ryan • May 9, 2025
Summer road trips are a classic American tradition. Whether you are headed to the beach, the mountains, or your favorite theme park, the journey should be just as enjoyable as the destination. To help you avoid unexpected delays and make the most of your trip, here are five key vehicle preparation tips from Team Ryan Automotive. 1. Start with an Oil Change Fresh oil helps your engine stay cool, reduces friction, and supports fuel efficiency. If your oil is dirty or your last change was more than 3,000 miles ago, schedule an oil change before your trip. Remember, all TRA oil changes come with our complimentary Standard Vehicle Inspection. 2. Inspect Tires for Wear and Pressure Proper tire maintenance is essential for road safety. Check the tread depth to ensure there is enough grip, especially if you expect rain. Look for cracks, bulges, or signs of dry rot that could lead to blowouts. Finally, make sure all four tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Do not forget to check the spare tire too. 3. Test Your Battery and Charging System No one wants to deal with a dead battery in the middle of a road trip. Summer heat can weaken your battery and stress your alternator. Visit Team Ryan Automotive for a battery test and charging system inspection. If your battery is nearing the end of its life, we will recommend a replacement to keep you powered up. 4. Check Brakes and Brake Fluid Reliable brakes are vital for a safe trip. Listen for squeaking or grinding when braking and watch for a spongy pedal feel. These could be signs that your brake pads or fluid need attention. Let us perform a full brake inspection to make sure your vehicle is ready for any driving condition. 5. Prepare Your Emergency Kit Every road trip should include an emergency kit. Stock it with jumper cables, a flashlight, basic tools, bottled water, a first-aid kit, and non-perishable snacks. Having these items on hand can help you handle unexpected delays or mechanical issues more comfortably. Bonus Tip: Schedule a Pre-Trip Inspection Before hitting the road, bring your vehicle to Team Ryan Automotive for a pre-trip inspection . Our certified technicians will check your fluids, belts, hoses, tires, and more. We will catch small issues before they become trip-ending problems. Enjoy Peace of Mind on the Road A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to summer travel. Our team is here to help you enjoy your road trip with fewer surprises and more smiles. Schedule your service visit today and travel with peace of mind.
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