HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With winter temperatures settling in and holiday travel approaching, Red Rock Auto Center owner Steve Miller says now is the time for drivers to pay close attention to batteries, tires and warning lights before cold weather turns small issues into breakdowns.
Miller outlines the most common winter problems his South Hutchinson shop sees and the preventative steps he urges drivers to take. He said the colder months are especially hard on car batteries, which are already strained by the power needs of modern vehicles.
“Winter and extreme heat in the summertime are two of the hardest things on our batteries,” Miller said. “Every time we see a car, we run a digital vehicle inspection, and you can actually watch a battery wear out over time. The goal is to get ahead of the breakdown before the first cold morning hits and all you get is a click.”
Miller recommends drivers in the Hutchinson area have their batteries checked every spring and fall, particularly those who don’t put many miles on their vehicles. A battery’s state of health can fall sharply in cold weather even if the charge still appears normal.
“Most folks wait until the click,” Miller said. “We would encourage otherwise, but we’re here for you either way.”
Tires are another top concern. Miller said AAA data shows tire-related problems remain one of the most common reasons vehicles are towed. Cold temperatures naturally deflate tires, and long stretches between maintenance visits often mean drivers don’t notice low pressure until the warning light comes on.
“Over the course of three months, we get in our car and just drive,” Miller said. “If it’s been parked in the garage and you back out into 20-degree weather, that tire pressure monitor light is probably going to come on. That’s when you need to come see us.”
Red Rock offers free tire pressure checks through its full-service drive. Miller said tread depth and uneven wear should also be monitored closely, especially heading into the winter months.
The dashboard itself is another winter trouble spot. Miller cautions drivers against ignoring any warning light, but especially the tire pressure monitor and the check engine light.
“If the check engine light is on solid, think of it as a belly ache. It needs attention,” he said. “If it’s flashing, think of it like a heart attack. Something pretty serious. Most times, you want to stop driving it.”
Beyond the seasonal concerns, Miller emphasized the importance of routine maintenance throughout the year. That includes checking belts, hoses, brakes, and looking for any fluid leaks that could lead to major repairs if ignored.
“One of the ways vehicles last as well as they do today is maintenance,” Miller said. “Timing belts, brake fluid flushes, factory-required services — those all matter. We have access to all factory recommendations, and we can walk customers through everything their vehicle needs.”
Miller also noted that Red Rock Auto Center remains one of the last full-service stations in Kansas, offering the kind of service many drivers no longer find at the pump.
“Think 1950s Mayberry,” Miller said. “We come out, check the fluids, air up the tires, fill the gas, clean the windows. You can stay in your car, perfect for parents with kids or professionals on the go.”