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How To Get Your Vehicle Ready For Winter Travel

November 4, 2020

Winter is fast approaching; however, it should not keep you from your travels with your friends and family. Regular auto maintenance is the key to a vehicle’s proper performance. All you need to do is make sure your car is in good working condition for your winter travel.

Before you do any service to your vehicle, always go through your owner’s manual guide first and monitor the schedules. Now without further ado, let’s look at some of the best services you need to do for your car this winter.

1. Ensure Auto Oil Change

Among many, one leading auto service you need to include is an oil change. Check if the oil has the right viscosity.

During this time of the year, the oil gets colder and thickens. If this happens, it will not keep your engine properly lubricated and clog up the whole engine.

Depending on the weather and temperatures, ensure which oil to use to make sure your car runs smoothly. Go through your owner’s manual guide to know which oil is best to use in which weather conditions.

2. Replace Old Windshield Wiper Blades

Windshield wiper blades usually work efficiently for a year. Hence, you need to check if your vehicle requires some new blades.

For harsh weather conditions, you should buy rubber-clad wiper blades for winter. It prevents the ice from building up.

Keep in mind that your windshield water reservoir is full of windshield washer solvent before starting your winter road trip. Plain water does not work in cold weather as it quickly freezes.

Additionally, ensure that your defroster and heater works properly as it helps keep the windshield clear.

3. Check Your Battery

Ensure that the posts and cable connections of your battery are free of corrosion and have sufficient water. If needed, retighten all the cable connections and make sure all surfaces are clean.

Go through your owner’s manual guide before performing routine care. Always be sure to wear rubber gloves and eye protection while checking your battery. Make sure to prevent from touching the battery acid and corrosive deposits.

4. Inspect Your Tire Pressure

To have the best traction control, you must ensure your tires are properly inflated. Keep in mind that traction often fails when driving in ice and snow.

You need to examine the sidewalls and make sure there are no nicks and cuts. Also, always have a spare tire and ensure it has air in it.

If your tires are under-inflated, your car engine tends to work harder and ends up using excess oil or gasoline.

You can always consider getting snow tires for your car as they provide additional traction.

5. Get Your Existing Engine Problems Checked

Existing car problems deteriorate in cold weather. To avoid such cases, you need to get your vehicle’s driveability issues and engine performance checked.

Get your car problems corrected at a reliable repair shop such as Crown City Tire Auto Care – the Pasadena auto repair shop that hires professional mechanics.

6. Check The Cooling System

You should flush and refill the cooling system. Check the concentration and condition of the coolant occasionally.

As recommended, make sure there is a 50/50 mix of coolant or antifreeze and water in your radiator. It prevents the freezing of the mixture even when the temperature is extremely cold.

You can get a coolant tester from any auto parts shop and check the condition of the mixture. You must drain and refill your cooling system if the mixture’s concentration is off.

7. Examine The Exhaust System

Vehicle exhaust fumes can be toxic. Therefore, having your exhaust system checked regularly is a must. Ensure there are no leaks and that the floorboards and trunk do not have small holes in it.

Carry An Emergency Kit

Weather conditions are unpredictable, so you always need to prepare and carry an emergency kit in your trunk.

Your kit should include:

Extra warm clothes
Extra blankets, gloves, and boots
Flares
Additional food and water (including energy bars)
First-aid kit
A flashlight and a small shovel
Tire chains
Tire gauge
A tool kit
Spare tire, batteries, and car charger
A cell phone
A bag of kitty litter or sand to provide traction

Also, ensure that your gas tank is full to avoid the fuel lines to freeze.

9. What To Do If Your Car Gets Stranded ?

First and foremost, you should avoid traveling during a snow storm. However, if you get caught in a blizzard, stay inside your car if you are unsure about your location.

Light flares or turn on your hazard lights to call attention and hang a bright-colored material on your car antenna.

Use blankets to keep yourself warm. It is also advisable that you do minor movements such as changing positions and clapping your hands to prevent hypothermia.

While waiting for help, run the heater for 10 minutes every hour. However, be sure to leave a window slightly open for ventilation and prevent the snow from sealing your car shut.

10. Get Your Car Serviced At A Trustworthy Auto Care Shop

Visit a trusted auto care shop and get your vehicle checked before starting your winter road trip. Find a shop that is near your locality as it will be more convenient for you.

If you live around the Pasadena locality, you can pay a visit to Crown City Tire Auto Care. Started in the year 1923, it is one of the most reliable Pasadena auto repair shops you will ever come across.

Crown City Tire Auto Care provides standard maintenance and offers a wide range of tire and automotive services as well. They also take care of other auto repair services like engine diagnostic and repair, oil change, wheel alignment, and many more.

Their team of dedicated experts works to cater to your vehicle’s specific needs. They make sure you have a smooth-running car in no time at a fair value.

Make your appointment today by calling (626) 461-9165, and get your vehicle serviced with our team.

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The Dirty Truth About Your Cabin Air Filter: When to Replace It

April 2, 2025

We all love that fresh, clean feeling when we step into our cars, especially after a long day navigating the bustling streets of Pasadena. But have you ever stopped to think about the air you're actually breathing inside your vehicle? Often overlooked, the cabin air filter plays a crucial role in the quality of your in-car environment. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we believe in empowering our customers with the knowledge to keep their vehicles running smoothly and their occupants healthy. So, let's dive into the often-neglected world of the cabin air filter and uncover the dirty truth about when it's time for a replacement. For many drivers in Pasadena and beyond, the engine air filter gets all the attention. It makes sense – it's directly linked to engine performance and fuel efficiency. However, the cabin air filter, while not impacting how your car runs, significantly affects the air you and your passengers breathe. Think of it as the air purifier for your vehicle's interior. It's designed to trap dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and even airborne pollutants that can enter your car's ventilation system from the outside. Why Should Pasadena Drivers Care About Their Cabin Air Filter? Living in a vibrant city like Pasadena, CA, exposes our vehicles to a variety of environmental factors. From the seasonal blooms releasing pollen into the air to the everyday dust and smog of urban driving, our car interiors can become surprisingly contaminated. A clogged or dirty cabin air filter can lead to a host of issues, some you might not even realize are connected: Reduced Airflow: A blocked filter restricts the amount of air that can pass through your car's heating and cooling system. This can lead to weak airflow from your vents, making it harder to heat or cool your cabin effectively, especially during those hot Pasadena summers or cooler winter evenings. We've seen many customers at Crown City Tire Auto Care surprised at the improvement in their AC performance after a simple cabin air filter replacement. Unpleasant Odors: Over time, trapped particles and moisture in the filter can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, leading to musty or unpleasant odors circulating in your car. If you've noticed a persistent stale smell, even after cleaning your interior, your cabin air filter could be the culprit. Allergic Reactions and Respiratory Issues: For allergy sufferers or individuals with respiratory sensitivities living in Pasadena, a clean cabin air filter is paramount. A dirty filter recirculates allergens and irritants, potentially exacerbating symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. Replacing your filter regularly can significantly improve the air quality and comfort for everyone in the vehicle. Strain on Your HVAC System: When the cabin air filter is clogged, your car's blower motor has to work harder to push air through. This increased strain can potentially shorten the lifespan of components in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, leading to more costly repairs down the line. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we always recommend preventative maintenance to avoid such issues. So, When Exactly Should Pasadena Drivers Replace Their Cabin Air Filter? While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, several factors can help you determine when it's time for a new cabin air filter in your vehicle: Manufacturer Recommendations: Your vehicle's owner's manual will typically provide a recommended replacement interval for the cabin air filter. This is a good starting point, often suggesting replacement every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year. We at Crown City Tire Auto Care generally advise following these guidelines as a minimum. Visual Inspection: One of the easiest ways to check your cabin air filter is to visually inspect it. The location of the filter varies depending on your vehicle's make and model, but it's often located behind the glove compartment or under the dashboard. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location. Once you've accessed it, take a look. A clean filter will be relatively white or light gray. If it's visibly dirty, clogged with debris, or dark in color, it's definitely time for a replacement. We often show our customers in Pasadena their old filter versus a new one – the difference can be quite striking! Reduced Airflow: As mentioned earlier, a noticeable decrease in the airflow from your vents is a strong indicator of a clogged cabin air filter. If you find yourself turning the fan up higher than usual to achieve the same level of cooling or heating, have your filter checked. Unpleasant Odors: If you consistently notice musty or other unpleasant smells when your ventilation system is running, your cabin air filter is likely trapping odor-causing particles and needs to be replaced. Allergy Season and Driving Conditions in Pasadena: If you frequently drive in dusty conditions, heavy traffic with exhaust fumes, or during peak allergy seasons in Pasadena, your cabin air filter will likely need more frequent replacement. These conditions expose your filter to a higher volume of contaminants. Time Since Last Replacement: Even if you haven't driven many miles, the filter material can degrade over time and lose its effectiveness. If it's been over a year since your last cabin air filter replacement, it's a good idea to have it checked, especially considering the air quality in and around Pasadena. What Happens During a Cabin Air Filter Replacement at Crown City Tire Auto Care? When you bring your vehicle to Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena for a cabin air filter replacement, our experienced technicians will: Locate the Cabin Air Filter: We'll identify the precise location of your vehicle's cabin air filter based on its make and model. Remove the Old Filter: We'll carefully remove the old, dirty filter. You'll likely be surprised at the amount of debris it has collected! Inspect the Housing: We'll check the filter housing for any signs of damage or excessive buildup. Install a New, High-Quality Filter: We use high-quality cabin air filters that meet or exceed manufacturer specifications, ensuring optimal filtration and airflow. Verify Proper Airflow: After installing the new filter, we'll test your vehicle's ventilation system to ensure proper airflow and functionality. Investing in Your In-Car Air Quality with Crown City Tire Auto Care Replacing your cabin air filter is a relatively inexpensive yet highly impactful maintenance task. It's a simple way to improve the air quality inside your vehicle, enhance the performance of your HVAC system, and contribute to a more comfortable and healthier driving experience, especially here in Pasadena. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we're committed to providing comprehensive auto care services, and that includes ensuring the air you breathe in your car is clean and fresh. Don't wait until you notice strong odors or drastically reduced airflow. Make it a habit to have your cabin air filter checked regularly as part of your routine maintenance. We understand that life in Pasadena can be busy, and it's easy to overlook these smaller maintenance items. That's why we're here to help. Our friendly team at Crown City Tire Auto Care is always ready to answer your questions and provide expert advice on all your automotive needs. We believe that informed drivers make better decisions about their vehicle care, and we're here to be your trusted partner on the road. So, the next time you're thinking about your car's maintenance, remember the "dirty truth" about your cabin air filter. It's a small investment that can make a big difference in your driving comfort and well-being. Let the professionals at Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena help you breathe easier on every journey.