Winter in Illinois can be harsh, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing, accompanied by snow and ice. For Illinois drivers, preparing your vehicle for these conditions is crucial for optimizing safety. At Integrity Auto Care, we provide expert winter auto maintenance in the greater South Beloit area. Here are five important winter auto maintenance tasks. Check and Refill Antifreeze Antifreeze prevents your engine from freezing in cold weather, which is especially important in Illinois where temperatures can drop significantly. When your engine is cold, check your antifreeze level to ensure it’s got enough. If it looks dirty or hasn’t been changed in a while, it’s a good idea to flush and replace it. Inspect Your Battery Cold weather can put a serious strain on your car battery. Have your battery tested to check its capacity and make sure the terminals are clean and corrosion-free. If your battery is more than three years old, it may be worth replacing it to avoid a mid-winter breakdown. Consider Switching to Winter Tires Illinois winters often come with snow and ice, making roads slippery and increasing stopping distances. Winter tires are designed with special tread patterns and rubber compounds that provide better traction in low temperatures and snowy conditions. Consider switching to a set of winter tires or at least ensuring your all-season tires have adequate tread depth. Proper tire inflation is also essential since tire pressure can drop with colder temperatures. Brake Inspection While healthy brakes are important year-round, they’re especially crucial in slippery winter conditions. Have your brakes inspected so that any issues can be addressed before they become a major safety hazard. Check the Heater and Defroster A functional heater and defroster are essential for comfortable and safe driving in Illinois winters. The heater not only keeps you warm, but also helps defrost the windshield, improving visibility. Run your heater and defroster before the coldest days hit to ensure they’re working properly. If you notice issues, like weak airflow or lack of warm air, have the system inspected and serviced as necessary. Also, for optimal visibility, make sure your windshield wipers are in great shape and that you have plenty of winter-grade wiper fluid. Winter Auto Maintenance in South Beloit, IL When you need auto maintenance in South Beloit and the surrounding area, contact Integrity Auto Care at  (815) 957-4159  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

A well-functioning suspension system plays a critical role in providing a smooth and controlled ride. It absorbs shocks, enables proper tire contact with the road, and helps maintain stability during turns and stops. When the suspension is compromised, it can lead to poor handling and unsafe driving conditions. At Integrity Auto Care, we provide expert suspension repair in the greater South Beloit area. Here are five signs of suspension trouble that you shouldn’t ignore. Bumpy Rides One of the first signs of suspension issues is a rough or bumpy ride. If you begin to feel every bump and dip in the road, or if your car bounces excessively after hitting a pothole or driving over uneven terrain, this likely indicates a problem with the shocks or struts. These components are responsible for absorbing impact and providing a smooth ride. Uneven Tire Wear Take a look at your tires. If you notice that the tread is wearing unevenly, it could be a sign of a suspension problem. A misaligned suspension can cause certain tires to bear more weight than others, leading to faster wear in specific areas. This can reduce tire life and affect your car's overall handling and safety. Drifting or Pulling During Turns If your vehicle drifts or pulls to one side while you’re making a turn, it could mean that your suspension system is in trouble. This issue often points to failing shocks or worn-out suspension components that are no longer able to keep the vehicle stable. Nose Dives When Braking There’s cause for concern if you apply the brakes and your car seems to lurch forward or dip sharply in the front. This symptom, known as "nose diving," is a strong indication that your shocks are worn out. Shocks are designed to control the weight distribution of your vehicle during acceleration, deceleration, and turning. If they’re not functioning properly, it can reduce your vehicle's ability to stop safely. Sagging or Uneven Vehicle Height If one corner of your car sits lower than the others, or if the entire vehicle appears to sag, it’s a telltale sign of suspension trouble. A broken spring is often to blame for this issue. Springs support the weight of the vehicle and help ensure even distribution of force across all four wheels. If one or more springs fail, the car will sit unevenly. Suspension Repair in South Beloit, IL For auto repair in South Beloit and the surrounding area, contact Integrity Auto Care at  (815) 957-4159  . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!