From tire repairs to oil changes, a Matthews Tire gift card will help your loved ones drive safely in the new year!

It’s better than fruit cake…

It’s better than an ugly sweater…

… a Matthews Tire gift card is the best present for your friends and family! Giving the gift of safety this holiday season will benefit your loved ones during the blustery months ahead.

With cold temperatures and slippery roads, you’ll want to help them keep their vehicle in tip-top shape with help from a Matthews Tire gift card!

Here are some steps every driver should take to prepare for the winter months:

Check the Battery

If your car battery was weak during the summer, there’s a good chance it will be weaker in the winter. It takes more energy and power for a battery to operate in cold temperatures than in warm temperatures. Don’t worry about being stranded with a car that won’t start—get a volt test on your battery to make sure it’s in good condition.

Replace Wiper Blades

Driving through a blizzard or freezing rain is hard enough as it is. Now imagine you turn on your wiper blades and nothing happens. Replacing your cracked, split or broken wiper blades will help you see the wintery road ahead. Also keeping your wiper fluid full will help break down snow and ice on your windshield.

Take Care of Your Tires

Cold temperatures and icy roads are your tires’ worst enemy. Old tires, or new tires with low tire pressure, can lead to unsafe driving conditions throughout the winter. Getting new tires—and keeping track of the tire pressure—will help with traction on those snowy roads and decrease the likelihood of sliding on icy patches.

Carry an Emergency Kit

In case you run into car trouble, an emergency kit in your car will prepare you for any situation. What should it include? Some necessities are a blanket, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, jumper cables, a cell phone charger and a shovel in your trunk in case you need to dig your way out of a snowy mess.

Give your loved ones a Matthews Tire gift card—and these helpful tips—to help them enjoy a safe new year!

And remember, if you have any questions about your automotive needs, don’t hesitate to call the pros at Matthews Tire!