For the majority of the year, driving conditions are pretty tepid. But the true test of your integrity as a car owner, and the quality of your car comes during the winter months. This is when you can truly get punished for not taking care of your car unless you take care of the necessary winter car prep. Between harsh winter weather and the toll the cold, ice, snow, and salt can take, you really have to step up your winter car care game to get your vehicle winter ready. 

5 Simple Ways To Get Your Car Ready for Winter

We don’t want to see you or your car on the side of the road this winter season. The best way to avoid any issues is to make sure your car is ready to take on whatever the next few months have in store. So before things get really rough, here are 5 simple winter car care tips that will help you and your car be ready for the colder months ahead. 

 

Juice Up Your Battery

Having to wait for a jump in the middle of the cold and possibly snow is up there with the worst things to happen in winter. If you don’t check your battery before the cold weather sets in, you’re really taking a gamble. The extreme cold that we tend to see can make it difficult for your battery to operate. And the last thing you want is to come back to your car left in a cold parking lot and find it dead leaving you with no heat. The best advice you’ll get today is to get a volt test on your battery now. This will tell you what the health of your battery looks like and whether or not you should invest in a new battery. 

Maintain Your Tires

When it comes to driving in winter, the quality of your tires is paramount. But it’s not just about what kind of tires you have but keeping an eye on your tire pressure as well. Investing in winter tires or all-season tires is a great idea and one we highly recommend. You want something that you can rely on for snow, rain, mud, and anything else you may encounter this year. However, something that gets overlooked often is tire pressure. As the air gets colder, tire pressure can drop up to one pound per square inch with every 10-degree drop. Keep an eye on your tire pressure and make sure you fill them if they are looking low. 

Check Your Fluids

Every fluid in your car is going to help it perform the best it can during the colder months. For this reason, it’s very important that all of your fluid levels are good and fresh. Change your oil and filters if it’s coming near time, flush and refill your coolant/antifreeze, and fill your windshield wiper fluid. Doing all of these now will ensure that your car works the way it should even when temperatures drop. 

Wash Your Car

This may seem like a weird thing to do, but it’s surprisingly important. However, this is something that you should do throughout the winter months. As more snow hits the roads, the county will salt those roads in an effort to keep them as clear as possible. But that salt will also end up on your car, especially all over your undercarriage. While the salt really helps the roads, it can wreak havoc on your car and cause rust. That is unless you give it a good wash after a big snow. Both an automatic and manual wash will work, as long as you can hit your undercarriage well. 

Pack an Emergency Kit

Everything is all fun and games until your car dies in the middle of a snowstorm. Whether you slid on ice or something happened with your engine, or maybe even ran out of gas, having an emergency kit may just save your life. Depending on the weather and where you are, you definitely need to be prepared for anything. Here are some things you should have packed: 

 

• First-aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Snow brush and ice scraper
• Flares
• Multi-tool with a knife
• Portable charger
• Air pump
• Shovel
• Cat litter or sand
• Candle and lighter
• Thermal blanket
• Snacks and water

 

Stay Safe Out There

Winter can be a crazy time, but making your vehicle winter ready ahead of time can go a long way. These are just a couple of things you can do, but there’s always more. Do your research and talk with our fantastic service technicians about what you should have done before the colder months are on top of us. Be smart and stay safe this holiday season!

It’s always a good feeling when you have the opportunity to help out a group of exceptional people. Having that support be mutually beneficial is just as great! That’s why we’re so happy to showcase our new long-term relationship with Archbishop Moeller High School! 

Archbishop Moeller High School has been forming students into remarkable men for over 60 years. Opening its doors in 1960, Moeller High School has been the alma mater for more than 12,000 young men in the greater Cincinnati and Hamilton County area. Using their faith as the foundation, Moeller has been able to successfully create a culture rooted in academic excellence, service to others, family spirit, and the ability to continuously adapt for life. 

This sponsorship does more than support something like a sports team or a singular department. Our sponsorship of Archbishop Moeller High School will be used to support the school as a whole through tuition assistance. Many students who attend private schools are only able to do so thanks to financial aid from donors and sponsors. With our three-year-long sponsorship, more students will have the opportunity to be a part of the Moeller family. 

At Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati, we are always looking for new ways to better our community and our new relationship with Archbishop Moeller is exactly the opportunity we love to take hold of. If you want to learn about how you can support Moeller High School, visit their website at www.moeller.org. To learn more about our other community sponsorships, look at our blog!

Ohio is known for a lot, and Cincinnati is definitely one of them! Experiencing this great city can be an absolute blast, but not without its caveats. Parking, like in most big cities, can be a bit of an annoyance. 

As a Cincinnati resident, you know that parking downtown can be hard to come by, especially on weekends. With street parking as one of only a few options available to you, it's simply an unavoidable part of your life behind the wheel. So, if you have to park on the street, you may as well stay safe. Below are some basic things every Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati driver can do to ensure the safety of their vehicle when parking on the street.

Understanding Street Parking in Cincinnati

 

Having to parallel park on a busy street can certainly be nerve-wracking. In fact,  parallel parking is something that many drivers struggle with, but it’s still an important skill to master. So, how comfortable are you with parallel parking? More importantly, can you parallel park? Because if the answer to either of these questions is no, you may want to just pony up the twenty-or-so bucks required to gain access to an oversaturated parking garage. However, if you have the mettle to take on the tall task of parallel parking on a busy city street, keep reading. 

 

Need to Know

• Pay attention to the street signs: A common joke among big-city drivers is street signs are something that should be simple to interpret but, oftentimes, they’re not. With differing messages, time restraints, and symbols all coexisting on the same small rectangular sign, parking legally on the street can require some focus and mental fortitude. Take your time, read the signs and ensure that you won't be returning to a freshly booted vehicle.
• Park under street lights, not tree branches: If possible, it's always a good idea to park your car in a well-lit area. In general, the more visible your car is, the safer it will be. On the other hand, parking under trees should be avoided whenever possible. Trees shed debris with rain and wind and, on occasion, come down completely in severe weather. Not to mention bird poop is rather annoying, especially with a convertible.
• Fold in side mirrors: One of the easiest ways to protect your car when parking on the street is by simply folding in your driver-side side mirror. This prevents an irresponsible driver from passing too close to your parked car, clipping off your mirror, and continuing on with their day, leaving you with the bill for repairs.
• Take or hide your things and lock up: On average, over 80,000 unlocked cars are stolen yearly. That's right, unlocked cars. So, while this may seem like an obvious tip, it is an important one. Lock your car, take your keys with you and be sure that no valuables are visible to people passing by and peeking in. Make sure potential thieves are not interested in your car or anything inside it.
• Hey Siri, drop a pin: People are forgetful. We forget our keys, our phones, our wallets. Heck, sometimes we forget whether or not our kids are in the backseat. We also, on occasion, forget where we park. Prevent this issue by dropping a pin on your maps app before you leave your ride behind. Then, when you're ready to return, simply pull up the pin and find your ride in no time.

 

Investments To Remember

• Car wash: Getting your car washed about every two weeks is a great way to make sure your car looks presentable. Beyond that, it shows would-be thieves that you pay attention to your vehicle. Oftentimes, car thieves target vehicles that look neglected. The idea here is that they will have more time after the theft to do with the car what they want before the owner even notices it's gone. So, protect your car's exterior appearance and show people you care about your ride with frequent washes. 
• Snow cover: A snow cover or car blanket protects your car from all elements. Whether that's snow, hail, tree debris, or bird droppings, a cover is a great way to protect your ride and prevent passersby from seeing what's inside.
• Sunshade: Over time, constant exposure to the sunlight will cause fading and cracks on your dash and other areas of your interior. A sunshade is a great way to protect your car's interior and prevent potential thieves from seeing something worth stealing in your car.
• Catalytic converter shield: This may sound like an unnecessary precaution, but when you consider the fact that an experienced thief can steal a catalytic converter in about two minutes, that $350 shield is looking a lot better than a $2,000+ converter.

 

Explore Cincinnati Without Stress

 

With more and more people moving to major metropolitan areas each year, parking in areas like Dayton is getting harder and harder to find, while inventory for car thieves has never been higher. However, if you follow these steps, you can rest easy knowing that you've done all you can to protect your car while it's parked on the street.

Fall is finally here! The weather’s getting cooler, leaves are changing color, all signs that winter is not far behind. And while we may not be able to get you mentally ready for the change of the seasons, we can certainly help you prepare your car for fall and winter! Welcome to Fall Car Care Month at Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati!

 

The Quintessential Fall Car Care Month Checklist

 

Fall is the perfect time to start checking up on your car. The weather isn’t entirely too cold yet, the Holidays are still a ways off, and you aren’t facing any severe weather conditions. The autumn season is prime for getting out in the garage or bringing your car to our service centers to get everything checked out before the real test of your car’s performance comes. 

 

Now you may be asking yourself, why is it important to check up on your car before winter? Well, dealing with car problems when it’s cold out is just not a great time. And we want you to always have a good time driving your Mercedes-Benz. And while these tips may seem like common sense, you’d be surprised just how often these can fly under the radar and end up causing much more serious problems down the line. 

15 Tips to Prepare Your Car For Winter

 

• Checking and Refilling Fluids: All of your fluids play a crucial role in keeping your Mercedes-Benz performing at its absolute best, and during the cooler months you don’t need anything less. Taking a look at your oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid and refilling or changing any needed is a great way to prepare your car for the winter months ahead. Also, checking your antifreeze/coolant is an absolute must, as that will keep your engine from getting too cold should the temps drop.  

• Change the Oil and Filters: While we’re on the topic of fluids, your oil is a big one that you should be up to date on. Ignoring an oil change, especially in winter is not a great idea. Old oil in your system greatly increases the risk of your engine overheating, severely damaging the engine. Check when your Mercedes-Benz is due for its next oil change and make sure you get the filters changed as well. That way your brand-new oil stays new for as long as possible! 

• Test the Heating/HVAC: Yes, your AC system may seem like an afterthought when it comes to having to prepare your car for winter and Fall car care. However, your HVAC is also responsible for filtering the air, dehumidifying your windshield, and heating your car. So making sure everything there is in working order before the weather gets too cold is probably a good idea. 

• Tighten Your Hoses: Making sure your antifreeze and fluids are all topped off is great, but it won’t do you any good if it can’t reach your engine. If your hoses have any leaks or breaks, there’s a good chance you’ll overheat your engine when the cold weather hits and your engine has to work overtime to keep it warm. Be sure to give your hoses a good look over and tighten any that seem loose. 

• Look at Your Belts: This actually goes hand in hand with your hoses. Hot summer months can severely degrade the belts in your engine. When checking under the hood, you should look for any signs of excessive wear, fraying, cracks, or looseness. If you do notice any of these, bring your Mercedes-Benz over to Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati and we’ll set you up with a new belt. 

• Test Your Exhaust: Checking your exhaust system as part of your fall car care checklist could actually save your life. If there’s a leak in your exhaust, carbon monoxide could seep into your car. Not only that, but a damaged exhaust system can also result in lower mileage. Keep on the lookout for weird noises, smells, a vibrating gas pedal, or a rumble when your car is sitting still. All are signs that your exhaust system is damaged. Our Mercedes-Benz -certified technicians will look for rust, holes, leaks, and other damage that may be present during our inspection. 

• Check Your Brakes: You want to be able to stop when you need to stop right? Especially if the weather is giving you trouble, you don’t want your brakes to be something else to worry about. Bring your Mercedes-Benz over to Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati and our service team will make sure your brake system is in good working order. Replacing your brake pads and rotors is an essential part of your Fall car care and winter prep. 

• Inspect All 4 Tires: The quality of your tires is just as important as that of your brakes. If your tires are worn down, they’re not going to do you much good in snow or rain. Make sure to not only check the tread but also their pressure. Tires lose pressure when the temperature drops and changing a flat in 30-degree weather isn’t fun. If you really want to future-proof yourself, getting a good set of snow tires or all-season tires will be greatly beneficial. 

• Pay Attention to Steering and Suspension: You want to be in complete control of your Mercedes-Benz in the event of bad weather. Making sure your power steering and suspension are up to par is the best way to remain in control at all times. If you’re worried, our team can take a look at your shock absorbers, struts, and chassis to see if anything needs adjusting or replacing.

• Test The Battery: Bering able to rely on your battery during the winter months can be a huge weight off your shoulders. So be sure to check the charge and quality of your current battery. If it’s been more than three years, it may be time to replace the battery completely. Visit our service center and we’ll be able to set you up with a brand-new battery just in time for Winter. 

• Replace Your Wipers: Did you know that the quality of your windshield wipers actually factors into your yearly inspection? That’s because if your wipers are leaving heavy streaks on your windshield, you will not have very good visibility. And visibility is essential in any type of winter weather.

• Wash Your Car: This may definitely seem unnecessary, but hear us out for a second. Cleaning your car of all the summer mildew and dirt can help prepare it for what’s coming. Waxing your car can also protect it from snow, ice, and salt. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to regularly clean your car after it snows. Icemelt and salt can accumulate and erode certain components of your undercarriage if left on for extended periods of time. While not as immediately important as other tips on your Fall car care list, it won’t hurt. 

• Clean Your Headlights: Between dead bulbs and cloudy headlight covers, there’s enough to check to warrant this being on your Fall car care list. Your headlights do two things out on the road. They help you see what’s in front of you, and they help other drivers see you. Check your bulbs and clean your headlight covers and ensure both of these functions are unimpeded. 

• Pack Roadside Kit: If the unfortunate happens and you have car issues or slide on ice or snow, having a pack of supplies to fall back on is a great idea. Some things that should be in your roadside kit include an ice scraper, jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, bottled water, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit. You can never be too careful. 

• Get AAA/Roadside Assistance: No Fall car care list would be complete without roadside assistance. These guys can be literal life savers and save you from having to sit out in the cold waiting on a tow company and praying that they’re open. Companies like AAA offer 24/7 support and assistance so they’re always there when you need them. 

 

Stay On Top of Your Fall Car Care

 

It may seem like a lot to keep track of, but if you follow this Fall car care checklist, you’ll be more than prepared for when the colder months roll around. And if there’s anything you need to replace or you can’t check out yourself, you can always make Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati a part of your winter car prep by scheduling an appointment with our service center in Cincinnati. Make sure you prepare your car for winter right with Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati!

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The angular GLB-Class sits exactly between the GLA and the GLC crossover for Mercedes. Some of the GLB design lines are common to the larger GLS-Class. As a box-shaped crossover, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offers 7 seats. The third row of seats, a first in the segment, is optional here, but more suitable for children. This comfortable crossover offers a lot of luxury. In addition to the GLB 250, buyers can also see the AMG® GLB 35 here.

Choose from these Trims available at Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati:

The Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 is a good alternative for people looking for a premium SUV in 2021. It's the perfect blend of affordability, sophistication, and practicality for empty nesters and small families. Trims available for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB are:

• GLB 250 4MATIC®
• GLB 250
• AMG® GLB 35

Exterior Appearance:

The Mercedes GLB is the company's cheapest three-row crossover SUV. It has a square and vertical shape with a few rounded corners to place it directly in the universe of Mercedes-Benz SUVs. From the outside, it looks more comfortable on sandy roads than the smaller GLA-Class and the larger GLC-Class. The GLB is if the original Benz M-Class, measuring 182 inches long and 72 inches wide. Large LED headlights flank a large radiator grille with the Mercedes Tristar logo, which can be illuminated if desired. Without a kitschy coupe-like curtain, the long roofline tapers towards the rear. It's a simple and traditional SUV design that can be dressed up; The AMG Line and Night packages deepen the chin spoiler and bring shine to the larger 20-inch wheels. Expect heated side mirrors here. The sides and rear of this vehicle give it a distinctive box-like appearance. Gift. Expect an aggressive diffuser and two chrome-plated tailpipes at the rear.

What are the Engine Options?

The Mercedes GLB 250 is equipped as standard with a 2.0-liter turbo engine with 221 hp and 258 lbs.-ft of torque. The AMG GLB 35, on the other hand, has a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo engine with an output of 302 hp and 295 lbs.-ft of torque. Both engines are equipped with an 8-speed DCT automatic transmission (dual-clutch transmission).

Interior Appearance:

For all variants, the same key fob is offered. The interior of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB is offered in a choice of materials and colors. The GLB's cockpit is based on the best of the G-Class and GLS-Class. Features include:

• Amber Lighting
• 25-inch Instrument Display with Digital Cluster (Premium Package)
• Dual Zone Climate Control
• 12-Way Power Adjustable Seats
• 3-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Systems (Premium Package)
• Synthetic Leather Upholstery
• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Memory Seating for 3
• Leather Door Panels with Wooden Trim
• Heated and Ventilated Seats (optional)
• 24 Cubic Feet of Cargo Space
• Very Spacious in the 2^nd Row
• Rear AC Vents
• Optional Third Row
• Power Panoramic Sunroof with Dual Setup
• Very Spacious in the 2^nd Row
• Butterfly-Shaped Armrest Console

Safety Features:

• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control
• Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Evasive Steering Assist
• Blind Spot Monitoring

For more information on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB available at Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati, visit their website: https://www.mbcincy.com/2021-mercedes-benz-glb-price/

 

Pros of Leasing a Vehicle:

The decision to buy or lease a car is considered a difficult one, so before making the final decision, you should carefully consider your current financial situation, lifestyle, job, and future to determine the best option between buying and leasing a vehicle have listed some points on this topic. If you just want to explore the option yourself, let's get started.

Pros of leasing a vehicle:

• First, leasing a car pays off because of its profitability. When buying a new car, you must spend a lot of money as a down payment. But with the rental, you can be completely worry-free. The good news is that you don't have to pay a large down payment when you rent a car. The leasing company usually demands a fair and affordable price as a down payment.
• The monthly installment is another hassle-free payment for you when you rent a car. You don't have to pay a lot of auto loans, monthly interest, and other additional costs in this case. It is certainly a great relief.
• Leasing means renting a car of your choice, usually for 36 to 48 months. After the time has elapsed, all you must do is return the vehicle. On the other hand, you can get another new car. This means that after the lease expires, you can drive a new car every two to four years.
• For business owners, leasing a car is beneficial than buying a new one. In addition, when you lease a car as a business owner, your leased car offers tax advantages sometimes.

Why leasing a car is better than buying a car?

Now, when you have collected enough information about the benefits of leasing a vehicle, let us tell you why it’s better than buying a new one.

• You must pay a lesser down payment while leasing. But when you purchase one, the amount is a bomb.
• No need to pay lots of monthly payments. But if you buy a new car, you must spend lots of interest on the contracted car loan each month.
• Buying a car means you must drive it until it gets damaged. But with pleasing, you can change your car every two to three years without getting stuck with an old one.
• When you rent a car, you don't have to worry about additional maintenance costs. All you must do is follow routine maintenance and you are good to go. But when you buy a car, you must spend a lot of money on its maintenance, which is not an easy task.

In short, these were some of the key benefits of leasing a vehicle. If you're unwilling to buy a car, financially or mentally, or want to save your penny, don't hesitate to lease a vehicle. Leasing before you sign your contract.

What to do when your vehicle overheats?

If your car overheats, it can cause several problems. For example, if your car's air conditioning has stopped working, there might be an overheating problem. Stop driving if you see that the temperature display has shifted to the "hot" side. Cars with an overheated engine can suffer catastrophic damage. They can't explode instantly but driving with an overheated engine can lead to costly repairs. Instead of risking costly repairs later, stop and fix the problem as soon as possible. Your engine can overheat for several reasons. Some of these problems are quite common on a hot summer day.

Coolant Not Being Circulated Properly:

The engine will overheat if the antifreeze/water mixture does not circulate properly. In warm months this mixture keeps the engine cool and in cold months it prevents it from freezing. check it regularly. Without leaks, the liquid evaporates over time. You can cool the engine down in a car repair shop by adding about ½ cup of water to a shallow container of antifreeze.

Leakage issues:

If your cooling system's water/antifreeze levels are consistently low, you leak someplace. Consult with a mechanic right away if this is happening to you. They'll locate the leak and provide you with a reasonable repair quotation.

You might need a hose replacement:

The hoses that circulate the coolant can become clogged or loosened over time. Even the smallest blockage prevents enough refrigerant from flowing. During an inspection, a mechanic can look for these and similar things.

Other reasons:

If the water and antifreeze levels are normal, your engine may have a more serious problem. Internal coolant leaks, dirt in the coolant lines, or a clogged radiator are all possibilities. If so, then you should have your car checked asap. as possible from a professional. You can spot problems early and save money on expensive repairs.

How to deal with an overheated car?

The following steps will help cool down an overheating engine:

• Close the windows and doors and turn off the air conditioning. Running your air conditioner when under load places a significant strain on your vehicle's engine.
• The heating should now be switched on. This helps dissipate some of the extra heat generated by the engine. On a hot summer day (when most cars are overheating), this isn't the best option, but it will help keep your engine cool.
• Park or idle your car, start it and accelerate. This will give your car's radiator more air and water as the fan and water pump work harder. the engine stays cooler longer.

• Park on the side of the road and raise the hood. This allows the engine to cool down by releasing heat and allowing cool air to circulate over hot components. Be careful when opening the hood as hot steam can escape.