3 Winter Vehicle Prep Tips for Safe Travel

1.Check your battery

Make sure your battery is working. Before the cold weather hits, consider replacing your battery, or stop by your closest Ewald Automotive Group dealership and get it checked. Cold weather temperatures can reduce a battery’s power by up to 50 percent!

2.Schedule an inspection

Make sure your vehicle is working properly to avoid breaking down in cold weather. Bring your vehicle into any of our Ewald service centers and make sure your brakes are working properly along with ensuring your car’s fluids are filled including antifreeze, brake fluid, oil, etc.

Ewald make it easy with an in and out express promise in 45 minutes or less for oil changes schedule online- or it’s free! Oil changes include total fluid top off- that will ensure safe winter travel.

3.Check your tires

Ewald is a name Milwaukee and surrounding communities has trusted for over 50 years. Your tires are the only thing that keeps your car on the road and not only affects traction in rain and snow, but is a major contributor to your vehicle’s ability to stop while braking.

Proper tire inflation is also critical for safe vehicle operation. Too much tire pressure can cause premature wear in the center of your tires. Too little inflation can cause premature outer tire wear and it dramatically reduces your vehicles fuel mileage. It;s harder for your cars engine to move your vehicle along with soft mushy tires- this resistance takes more gas to make your car go!

Ewald Automotive Group Tire and Service Centers are here to help. There’s tires available for every make, and we guarantee the lowest price. We also provide FREE lifetime wheel rotations with the purchase of 4 tires anytime. Stop by and see how we make it easy!

Important Recommended Service For Your Vehicle

For 5,000 miles or 5 months service:

-Replace engine oil and oil filter and reset oil life monitoring light

-Top off all fluids (Washer, coolant, power steering, Brake & Transmission)

-Rotate Tires and inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, etc.

-Set tire pressure to proper inflation levels

-Check diesel exhaust fluid

-Inspect your wiper blades, belts and engine houses

-Test battery and inspect terminals

-Inspect cabin air filer

15,000 mile or 15 month service:

-Replace air filter

-Perform front end alignment, tire rotation and wheel balance

-Inspect complete exhaust system and heat shields

-Inspect and lubricate all non-sealed steering linkage, belt joints and suspension joints

-Inspect steering components and lubricate door hinges and chassis if applicable

-Inspect cabin filter

30,000 mile or 30 month service:

-Replace fuel filter

-Flush coolant, anti freeze and transmission fluid

-Replace or clean spark plugs

-Complete annual multi point vehicle inspection

Getting Your Vehicle Ready for Winter

Winter is approaching, and it’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready for the cold weather. Check out the list below, of things you should remember while getting ready for the cold.

1- Check to make sure your heater and defroster is in working condition. Especially when parking outside, it’s important to make sure your defroster works to clear your windshield of ice. Also make sure your heater is working for those extremely cold days.

2- Have your battery checked. Make sure your battery cleaned and working, so you don’t get stranded in cold weather with a dead battery. Have a professional check and clean your battery for the cold weather hits.

3- Check you tires by examining them for your remaining tread life, uneven wearing. Check your tire pressure at least once a month. Also, having your tires rotated when going in for routine maintenance is recommended. Under-inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels can make your engine work harder and use excess gas.

4- Carry an emergency kit with you that includes extra gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand, tire chains, a flashlight, extra batteries, an extra charger, and non-perishable snacks. This will be especially helpful during emergency situations in case of a break down in cold and dangerous weather.

5- Check your windshield wipers. Buy and install new windshield wiper blades before the winter weather hits to ensure good visibility. Make sure to also replace your usual wiper fluid with deicing windshield washer fluid. It’s okay to mix the deicing fluid with regular wiper fluid, but start adding deicing fluid in the fall so that when winter comes, it’s mostly deicing fluid in the reservoir.

Source: https://wordpress.com/post/ewaldautomotivegroup.wordpress.com/525

8 Wisconsin Pumpkin Picking Farms to Stop at this Fall

Don’t let the warm weather fool you. It’s Fall! Here are some pumpkin picking farms to get you in the fall spirit!

Homestead Farms: Located in Hartland, includes corn mazes, hay rides, farm animals, pumpkin picking and much more! Open Saturdays and Sundays starting September 29^th– October 28^th 2018.

Schuett Farms: Located in Mukwonago, includes hay rides, corn mazes and pumpkin picking! Open starting Saturday September 29^th 2018.

Cozy Nook: Located in Waukesha, includes a real working dairy farm! Open September 22^nd through October 31^st 2018.

Elegant Farmer: Located in Mukwonago, includes pumpkin and apple picking, and you get to visit the smiling barn! Orchards open on weekends until October 22^nd 2018.

Busy Barns Adventure Farm: Located in Fort Atkinson, includes farm animals, a corn and straw playground, antique tractors, puppet shows, pony swings and corn maze! Open Saturdays and Sundays through October 28^th 2018.

Ebert’s Greenhouse Village: Located in Ixonia, includes hayrides, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, a story theater, a train, games and more! Enjoy caramel apples, pumpkin pie and apple cider along the way. Fall activities start October 6^th and continue Saturdays and Sundays throughout October.

Godsell Farm: Located in Muskego, includes pumpkin patches, hay wagons rides, animals and more! Festivities starting this fall!

Jelli’s Market: Located in Helenville, includes pick your own pumpkins, a corn maze, scavenger hunt, make and take crafts and more! Open daily!

Source: http://lakecountryfamilyfun.com/wisconsin-pumpkin-farms/

Top Four Places to Travel in Wisconsin

Looking for a quick trip this spring? Wisconsin has many great places to take the family for the weekend. Check out what we picked for our list of places to check out this upcoming spring season.

1- EAA AirVenture

Located in Oshkosh Wisconsin, the EAA AirVenture show takes place every year, and is surely something to see. Watch as up to 15,000 aircrafts of all shapes and sizes travel above. Take a trip out to the show and check out the EAA AirVenture Museum with its collection of over 200 aircraft.

www.eaa.org/en/airventure

2- Circus World Museum

Check out the Circus World Museum settled in Baraboo Wisconsin. Learn about our country’s rich circus history, and check out some incredible circus artifacts and exhibits.

www.circusworldbaraboo.org

3- National Railway Museum

The National Railway Museum highlights over 20 steam and diesel engines and tons of railroad artifacts you can’t find anywhere else. With tons of things to check out, one of the favorites is the 80-foot-tall observation tower that overlooks the surrounding area.

www.nationalrrmuseum.org

4- The House on the Rock

Atop Deer Shelter Rock in Springs Green Wisconsin, beholds many antiques that’s mimic the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. One fun attraction here is the 218-foot-long Infinity Room that disappears into the distance when you stand in it!

www.thehouseontherock.com

Source: http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/wisconsin-uswi.htm

5 Tips for Safe Driving on Snow and Ice

During the winter months, it’s important to make sure you are prepared for driving in snow and on ice. Using the five tips below can help keep your drive smooth this winter.

1- Remove ice and snow from your vehicle

Make sure that your vehicle is completely clear of all snow and ice including your hood, roof, trunk, windows and lights. Your lights are specifically important when it is dark out. If your lights are covered with snow it will be difficult for other drivers to see you.

2- Inspect your vehicle before leaving

Checking that your tires are properly inflated is important before leaving the house. Checking your tires for proper inflation can prevent a flat, and having to pull over on the road during a snow storm, which is extremely dangerous. Also, make sure to check your wiper blades and fluid to make sure you have clear vision through your windshield.

3- Keep your gas tank about half

During the cold months, it’s a good idea to keep your gas tank about half for multiple reasons. You want to avoid running out of gas and being stuck in the cold.

4- Keep an emergency kit handy

Always keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in the case that you do have a breakdown during the cold months. Make sure it includes a first aid kit, a blanket, tools, water, etc.

5- Leave space in front of you while driving

Make sure while driving while it’s snowing, to leave an extra car space in front of you to prevent an accident.

7 Necessities to Bring on Your Next Hunting Trip

More power

A dead battery can definitely put a weight on your hunting trip. Make sure you check your battery before your trip and bring jumper cables so you can ensure your trip is all charged up!

Lighting

Getting away from the big city is fun and all, but when you are stuck in the true meaning of darkness, you might want an extra set of lights. While most vehicles come with LED headlights, you don’t want to waste your battery. Bring a portable light!

Navigation

Every hunter should know how to read a map and a compass…BUT just in case, bring a navigation system with you, if your vehicle doesn’t already have one. This will ensure you have a smooth trip.

Tires

Depending on where your trip takes you, you might come across challenging terrain, snow or mud. It’s important to make sure your tires are inflated and, if you’re hunting a lot, it might be a good idea to get an all-terrain tire.

Recovery Gear

If you are hunting alone, recovery gear is very important. You’ll want a winch that is able to pull double the weight of your vehicle in the case you get stuck. Be prepared for the worst!

First Aid Kit

Now, hunting isn’t all fun and game. In the case you are hurt during your trip, you should have a first aid kit so that you can wrap up any cuts.

Water

Bring lots of water. It’s important to stay hydrated while your sitting outside all day!

Source: http://m.nittotire.com/articles/11-necessities-to-bring-on-your-next-hunting-trip/

5 Ways to Keep Your Vehicle Clean This Winter

Don’t let winter ruin your vehicle! Use these 5 tips on how to keep your vehicle clean through the cold months!

1- Replace Carpet Mats with Rubber

By replacing your carpet mats with rubber mats, it will help keep salt from deteriorating your carpet. Salt, slush and water from the wet ground outside can also soak through the carpeting and rust the floor of the vehicle.

2-Use Winter Snow Tires and Steel or Alloy Wheels

Putting snow tires on your vehicle will help keep traction for winter road conditions. If you do not have 4-wheel drive on your vehicle, this can help prevent slipping in the snow. By adding steel or alloy wheels, this will help protect from rust and corrosion after the winter months.

3- Keep Your Snow Brush in a Closed Bag

Your snow brush comes in handy when there is heavy snow fall and your windows accumulate snow. After brushing your windows off, have a bag or somewhere you can store it away from the interior of the vehicle. Leaving the brush on the floor can cause water to soak into the carpet, or collect on the rubber mats.

4- Frequent Washing

Frequently wash your vehicle to get standing salt off. If you leave the salt sit on the paint for too long, this can cause rust and corrosion and chip off paint. It is best to wash your vehicle with it is 40 degrees or more. Always make sure to reach the undercarriage of the vehicle, because it is often missed, especially while washing at home.

5- Dry thoroughly

Always make sure to dry your vehicle all the way after washing. Leave the doors open to air out any moisture that could be sitting in areas where it could be trapped. After drying, use a wax to seal all surfaces including vinyl and rubber on the exterior. This will help protect your vehicle.

Top Places For Pumpkin Picking in Wisconsin

Don’t let the hot weather fool you. It’s Fall! Here are some pumpkin picking farms to get you in the fall spirit!

Homestead Farms: Located in Hartland, includes corn mazes, hay rides, farm animals, pumpkin picking and much more! Open weekends in October 2017.

Schuett Farms: Located in Mukwonago, includes hay rides, corn mazes and pumpkin picking! Open starting Saturday September 30^th.

Cozy Nook: Located in Waukesha, includes a real working dairy farm! Open Sept 23, 2017 through October 31^st.

Elegant Farmer: Located in Mukwonago, includes pumpkin and apple picking, and you get to visit the smiling barn! Orchards open on weekends until October 22^nd.

Waldvogel’s Farm: Located in Juneau, includes over 30 attractions! The farm boasts a train ride, hay rides, farm animals, a hay barn, gemstone mining, a pumpkin patch, trike track, face painting, fish pong and underground slides!

Basse’s Taste of Country: Located in Colgate, includes pumpkin patches, hay wagons rides, a corn maze, train ride, pig races and more! Open Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00-5:30 pm and weekdays from 1:30-5:30 pm.

Cedarburg Creek Farm: Located in Cedarburg, includes fall flowers, corn stalks, gourds, pumpkins, kids straw bale maze, a corn maze, bounce houses, hay rides and a petting zoo! Hours are 10:00-6:00pm daily through October 29^th!

Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm: Located in Kenosha, admission is free! Enjoy over 70 hand painted pumpkin characters, nature trail and mini farm! Open now!

Source: http://lakecountryfamilyfun.com/wisconsin-pumpkin-farms/

http://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/fall-vacations/where-to-go-pumpkin-picking-in-long-island

How to Prepare your Vehicle for Fall & Winter

We know nobody wants to think of cold temperatures yet, but it’s approaching that time where you should inspect your vehicle and prepare for Fall and Winter. Here are five ways to get your vehicle ready for the upcoming seasons.

1- Check Belts, Hoses and Fluids

It’s important to check your vehicle and make sure everything is functioning properly. Topping off your fluids will get you through the Winter months.

2- Check your antifreeze

When the temperature gets colder it’s important to make sure your antifreeze is full. Antifreeze will regulate the temperature of your engine and ensure it’s working properly.

3- Check Tire Pressure

Tire pressure deflates in cold weather. Check your tire pressure regularly during cold months to prevent any flat tires. Keep track of your tire pressure with your car’s tire pressure indicator.

4- Keep an Eye on your Fuel Levels

Make sure you have enough fuel in the case that you are stuck in snow. Keeping your fuel above half a tank will ensure that you will not run out in the case you are stuck.

5- Have a Winter Safety Kit

Keeping a kit in the vehicle in the case you’re stuck or have a flat. Keep a first aid kit, flares, a heat blanket and jumper cables for emergency use.

Source: https://www.farmers.com/inner-circle/car-safety/preparing-your-car-for-fall-like-a-nascar-pro/

http://www.drivingfast.net/winter-driving-tips/