# Car Talk with Dane Donovan: Winter Prep & Holiday Car Tips

Are your wheels ready for winter? In this episode, Dane Donovan shares essential advice for preparing your vehicle for the cold months ahead. From the importance of timely inspections to why those wiper blades you've been ignoring might leave you stranded in a snowstorm, Dane offers practical wisdom from his 25 years in the auto repair business.

The automotive landscape has changed dramatically since Donovan's Auto & Tire Center opened 66 years ago. Remember when everyone rushed to put on snow tires the day after Thanksgiving? Today's vehicles have different needs, but winter preparation remains crucial. Dane explains why the sudden temperature drops we experience can wreak havoc on cars and why waiting until the first snowfall for new tires might leave you stuck in a long queue.

## Timestamps:
- 3:45 - Winter car preparation essentials and how maintenance needs have evolved
- 11:30 - Trailer tire problems and why they don't last
- 18:20 - Solving gas tank pressure issues in a 2008 Chevy Silverado
- 27:15 - Electronics troubleshooting in an '06 Escalade
- 33:40 - Fuse problems and upgrading amperage safely
- 36:15 - Bizarre starter issue in a '98 4Runner that starts without a key

## Key Takeaways:
- Don't wait for the first snowfall to check your tires and other winter-critical systems
- Modern cars need different maintenance than older vehicles, but winter checks remain essential
- When doing DIY repairs, invest in quality OEM parts to avoid repeated failures
- Trailer tires typically don't last long - consider light truck tires as an alternative
- Rodents can cause extensive electrical damage to vehicles, especially those that sit unused

Is your college student home for the holidays? Schedule their car maintenance now before the rush. Remember that Donovan's offers shuttle services and sometimes even loaner vehicles to make the process as convenient as possible.

Ready to get your vehicle winter-ready? Visit donovantire.com to find the location nearest you and schedule your winter inspection today!

# Car Talk with Dane Donovan: Winter Prep & Holiday Car TipsAre your wheels ready for winter? In this episode, Dane Donovan shares essential advice for preparing your vehicle for the cold months ahead. From the importance of timely inspections to why those wiper blades you've been ignoring might leave you stranded in a snowstorm, Dane offers practical wisdom from his 25 years in the auto repair business.The automotive landscape has changed dramatically since Donovan's Auto & Tire Center opened 66 years ago. Remember when everyone rushed to put on snow tires the day after Thanksgiving? Today's vehicles have different needs, but winter preparation remains crucial. Dane explains why the sudden temperature drops we experience can wreak havoc on cars and why waiting until the first snowfall for new tires might leave you stuck in a long queue.## Timestamps: - 3:45 - Winter car preparation essentials and how maintenance needs have evolved - 11:30 - Trailer tire problems and why they don't last - 18:20 - Solving gas tank pressure issues in a 2008 Chevy Silverado - 27:15 - Electronics troubleshooting in an '06 Escalade - 33:40 - Fuse problems and upgrading amperage safely - 36:15 - Bizarre starter issue in a '98 4Runner that starts without a key## Key Takeaways: - Don't wait for the first snowfall to check your tires and other winter-critical systems - Modern cars need different maintenance than older vehicles, but winter checks remain essential - When doing DIY repairs, invest in quality OEM parts to avoid repeated failures - Trailer tires typically don't last long - consider light truck tires as an alternative - Rodents can cause extensive electrical damage to vehicles, especially those that sit unusedIs your college student home for the holidays? Schedule their car maintenance now before the rush. Remember that Donovan's offers shuttle services and sometimes even loaner vehicles to make the process as convenient as possible.Ready to get your vehicle winter-ready? Visit donovantire.com to find the location nearest you and schedule your winter inspection today!

Dale and Dane Donovan from Donovan's Auto and Tire Center will answer all your car care questions. Saturdays from 1-2pm on 55KRC The Talk Station

The Car Show with Dale and Dane Donovan

The Car Show with Dane Donovan 11/29/2025

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/98a2599f-cd9b-4f2a-9be4-b22c00e585f2/clips/d52baf77-4bc2-452e-9020-b3a500e477bd/transcript

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