A December Message from Cherry Grove Automotive

Cherry Grove Automotive
56 minutes ago
6 min read

We can’t believe it is December already! Every year feels fast, but this one really moved! We’ve had a steady stream of new faces walking through the door and it has been really great getting to know all of you. If you’re new to Cherry Grove Automotive, thank you for trusting us with your car. And if you’ve been with us for a while, we’ve loved seeing you again this year. Your support means more than you know, and we never take it for granted. You help keep this shop going and you keep our team doing what we care about most, making sure your vehicles are safe.

December lands with its own pace. For some, it’s quiet and calm, and for others it’s busy with travel, school events, or a house full of visiting family. However your month looks, we want your car to be ready for it.

Happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate!

And Merry Christmas to those who celebrate!

This season brings different traditions for different families, and we’re thankful to be part of a community that holds all of it. If you’re on the road this month, or getting things lined up before company arrives, we’re here to help keep your vehicle dependable and ready.

If you’re heading out of town this month, a little prep goes a long way. December travel can be unpredictable. Cold snaps, traffic, long drives, family schedules, all of it adds up. Your car doesn’t need anything fancy, it just needs a once-over to make sure nothing catches you off guard on the road.

Start with the basics. Check your tire pressure, since temperatures drop and so does air pressure. Make sure your battery is holding a strong charge, because cold weather will expose a weak one fast. Look at your fluids, especially coolant and windshield washer fluid. If you’ve noticed any strange sounds, slower starts, dim lights, or a warning light that keeps popping up, this is the time to get it checked.

Give yourself extra peace of mind by having us take a look before you go. We can check your brakes, tires, A/C and heat, belts, hoses, and anything else that might turn into a headache halfway through your trip. It’s easier to handle it now than on the side of the road with luggage in the back and kids asking when you’ll get there.

Holiday Travel Checklist

Tires: Check pressure and tread before you head out. Cooler temperatures drop air pressure quickly. We carry a solid inventory of tires and can get most sizes and brands within a day.

Battery: If your starts have been slow, have the battery tested. Cold weather exposes a weak battery fast. We carry Interstate Batteries, known for reliability, and they come with a nationwide warranty that covers replacement if the battery fails during the coverage

period

Brakes: If you hear squeaks or feel anything unusual, let us take a look. Holiday traffic puts more strain on your brakes. We can replace brakes and rotors in an afternoon.

Fluids: Oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and washer fluid all matter during long drives. Make sure everything is topped off and leak free.

Belts and Hoses: Cold weather can make worn belts slip or old hoses crack. A quick inspection avoids problems later.

Lights: Check headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Visibility matters on crowded holiday roads. Swing by if a bulb is out or dim and we’ll replace it.

Wipers: If your wipers streak or chatter, replace them. You want clear visibility in changing weather. We keep most wiper sizes in stock. Stop in and we can swap them out for you.

Heat and Defrost: Make sure the heat works well and the defroster clears the windshield quickly.

Spare Tire and Tools: Look at your spare and confirm you have the tools and, if needed, the lug key in the vehicle.

Emergency Items: Keep a charger, blanket, first aid kit, flashlight, water, and a few snacks in the car.

Gas: Fill up before you leave town. If you’ll be driving through mountain regions or long stretches without stations, bring spare fuel in an approved container.

Oil Change Reminder: When was the last time you had your oil changed. We check all the items on this list every time you come in for an oil change. If you’re getting close to your mileage or heading out of town, book an appointment so we can get your car ready.

One of our favorite parts of the holidays around here is the cookies. Customers bring them in, team members share their family recipes, and somehow there is always a plate in the office that disappears faster than anyone will admit. It adds a little extra comfort to the season and brings everyone together for a few minutes in the middle of a busy day. Here are some fun holiday cookie recipes you can try at home or bring to your own gatherings.

If you’re stuck on what to buy for someone who has everything, this might be the answer!

One gift that deserves a spot on your list is the Halo Bolt Ultimate. I got mine last Christmas, and I did not realize how useful it would be until I actually needed it. A couple of weeks ago I came out to get into the car to drive to work and my tire was noticeably low. I grabbed the Halo Bolt Ultimate, hooked it up, and filled the tire right up on the spot. No waiting, no hunt for a gas station air pump, nothing. Then just a few days later I was heading out for work again and the battery was dead. That same Halo Bolt Ultimate saved me there too, getting my car started so I could drive to work without calling for help. I also noticed the emergency light, USB chargers and the AC outlet as well.

It is one of those tools you do not think about until you really need it, and once you have it you wonder how you ever managed without it. If you have someone on your list this year who seems to have everything, this is a great option for them. It is useful for everyday driving situations and it gives peace of mind when you are on the road. Ask yourself this, do they already have one of these? If not, it might be the perfect gift.

Click the link below to learn more!

https://amzn.to/497NfNz

As we get closer to the holidays, our schedule shifts a little so our team can spend time with their families. We want to be sure you have everything you need before the break, so here are our upcoming holiday hours.

We will be closing early on Friday, December 19. We will be closed from Monday, December 22 through Friday, December 26, and will return on Monday, December 29. We will also be closed on Thursday, January 1 in observance of New Year’s Day.

If you know you’ll need service, an oil change, new tires, or anything checked before the holidays, we recommend reaching out soon to get on the calendar. Scheduling ahead makes it easier for us to make sure your car is ready for the season and keeps last minute stress off your plate.

The holidays bring a lot of moving parts. Busy kitchens, family coming into town, kids home from school, last minute errands, and those drives to see the people you care about. There’s a lot happening, but there’s also a lot to enjoy. Lights around town, Christmas on Main, quiet evenings after long days, and the simple comfort of familiar traditions. However you spend this season, we hope you get a chance to slow down, enjoy the people around you, and soak in the good moments. December always reminds us how lucky we are to be part of a community that supports us and keeps our shop going.

Thank you for being part of the Cherry Grove Automotive community. We truly appreciate the trust you place in us and the support you continue to show our team. Whether you stopped in once this year or we see you on a regular basis, it means a lot that you choose us to care for your vehicle. We look forward to continuing to serve you, staying connected, and being here for you in the years ahead.