By Andy Groebner and Jacob Laux
College students, who often face financial constraints, may find it challenging to afford necessary car repairs. With Wisconsin’s winter approaching, it is important to explore measures for maintaining vehicles during the colder months, steps to take when issues arise, and reliable repair options.
From snow pile fender benders to rusty steering components, Wisconsin’s roads are well known for the toll they can take on someone’s car. With that in mind, there’s a very simple solution to keep Wisconsin’s salty rust at Green Bay. Regular car washes when temperatures are above freezing help remove salt deposits from a vehicle’s undercarriage. Opt for facilities, such as Kwik Trip, that offer undercarriage spraying to ensure thorough cleaning.
Beyond rusty components, cold weather means a significant drop in tire air pressure. Driving with low tire pressure can reduce handling and mobility in the short term and cause excessive tire wear over time due to unnecessary rubber flexing.
Kwik Trip is a convenient option in Wisconsin for topping up tire air pressure, as it provides PSI-regulated air pumps that can be preset for accurate filling. The recommended PSI for a vehicle can typically be found on the manufacturer’s sticker inside the driver-side door sill.
Even with proper winter vehicle maintenance, there may still be occasions when a car becomes stuck in Wisconsin’s snow and ice. Keeping a compact shovel in the vehicle, which is an affordable option available online, can be useful for clearing snow from around the tires in such situations.
In cases of lost traction or vehicle damage that compromises safety or functionality, the automotive team at El Mechanico in Green Bay can provide assistance. El Mechanico, which offers in-house towing services, serves the Green Bay-De Pere area.
The owner of El Mechanico himself has claimed this shop as a Workforce of family and necessity. This is evident in the El Mecanico team’s competitive pricing, strong customer service, and skilled craftsmanship.
A UWGB student who recently brought their car into El Mecanico said, “I called around to a couple of different shops, and none of them quoted me less than a grand; El Mechanico, on the other hand, quoted me 600 bucks and said they could swap my head gasket the next day.” With shop rates of $75 an hour compared to today’s average of $110 to $125 an hour, El Mecanico offers a balance of affordability and accessibility to students at UWGB. In situations requiring immediate vehicle attention, these tips can be helpful, and El Mechanico is recognized for providing prompt and reliable service.
