As mud season approaches, we wanted to remind you all of some practical tips.
#1 be sure you have an emergency kit in case you get stuck! We discuss creating an emergency kit here.
#2 Good mud/snow tires are helpful for gripping and traction! Deep and aggressive tread patterns help ensure safe driving in the mud. Check your tire tread depth and ensure they are not unevenly worn. If you think there is damage, call KAR to come and diagnose your vehicle. Tires are your contact point. Good tires are essential for mud season safety!
#3 Consider regularly washing (or at least knocking/wiping) caked mud off of your tire rims to avoid imbalance. Tire imbalance is noted by shakes and vibrations when driving. This causes undue stress on your shocks, bearings, wheel assemblies and other critical vehicle structures. You can use a high pressure hose or car wash to clean caked mud. If the shakes and vibrations continue, call KAR and we will schedule a diagnosis to find the cause as soon as possible.
#4 When Driving keep these tips in mind- Four-Wheel Drive: If available, using four-wheel drive can help improve traction on muddy roads. Avoid Spinning Wheels: If you get stuck, try to avoid spinning your tires, as this can worsen the situation. Instead, try to gain traction by using a car mat or similar item under the tires. Stay on High Ground: Avoid ruts! Drive on the high spots of the road to avoid deep ruts and minimize damage to the road surface (and underside of your vehicle!).
#5 When mud season is over, consider cleaning under the vehicle (the undercarriage). This is very important after mud season as a build up of mud on top of the winter salt residual, can cause rust and corrosion to escalate. Once you have cleaned (either on your own or at a professional car wash) the next step to protecting your vehicle is getting an oil based undercoating. This will help lock out the moisture and salts that cause the rust that New England is so notorious for! Contact us at (207) 855-1768 to schedule your oil based undercoating today!
As always, we hope each of our clients has the knowledge they need to stay safe on the road. Mud season can be a challenge, but we are hear to help you and to fix any issues that arise along the way. Bumpy, muddy roads are part of spring in Maine, but a broken down vehicle doesn’t have to be!