Janssen Kuenle Chevrolet: A New Chapter for Chevrolet in Plattsmouth, Nebraska

Nebraska winters can bring freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and changing road conditions. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around Plattsmouth, or heading out on a longer winter drive, keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle can help you stay prepared when conditions take an unexpected turn. So, what should you keep in your car during a Nebraska winter? Here are some of the most important items to have on hand. 1. Ice Scraper and Snow Brush Keep a sturdy ice scraper and snow brush in your vehicle all winter. Clearing snow and ice from your windows, mirrors, lights, and roof before driving helps improve visibility and safety. 2. Blankets or Extra Warm Clothing If you become stranded or your vehicle won't start, temperatures can drop quickly. Pack a warm blanket, coat, gloves, hat, and extra socks. These items take up little space but can make a big difference if you have to wait for assistance. 3. Flashlight and Extra Batteries A flashlight can be extremely useful if you experience vehicle trouble after dark. Keep extra batteries with it, or consider a rechargeable flashlight and make sure it stays charged. 4. Jumper Cables or a Portable Jump Starter Cold temperatures can be hard on vehicle batteries. Jumper cables are a useful addition to any emergency kit, while a portable jump starter can provide another option if another vehicle isn't available. 5. First-Aid Kit A basic first-aid kit should include items such as adhesive bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, medical tape, and disposable gloves. Check your kit periodically and replace anything that has expired or been used. 6. Water and Nonperishable Snacks If you become stranded for an extended period, having drinking water and shelf-stable snacks available can help. Choose items that can tolerate being stored in your vehicle and replace them periodically. 7. Phone Charger or Power Bank Your phone can be an important tool for contacting family, emergency services, or roadside assistance. Keep a vehicle charger or fully charged power bank available so you aren't relying on a nearly empty phone battery. 8. Basic Emergency and Traction Supplies Consider keeping a small shovel, reflective warning triangles, work gloves, and traction material such as kitty litter or sand in your vehicle. These supplies can be particularly helpful if your vehicle gets stuck or you need to make yourself more visible to other drivers. 9. Tire-Related Supplies Winter driving makes properly maintained tires especially important. Keep your tire pressure at the manufacturer's recommended level and inspect your tires regularly. An emergency kit can also include a tire pressure gauge. If your vehicle is equipped with a spare tire, make sure you know where it is and periodically check that it is properly inflated. 10. Keep Your Fuel Tank From Getting Too Low One of the simplest ways to prepare for winter travel is to avoid letting your fuel level get extremely low, particularly before longer trips or when severe weather is expected. A sufficient fuel level can help give you more options if traffic slows or you encounter an unexpected delay. What Else Should You Do Before Winter Driving in Nebraska? An emergency kit is only part of winter preparation. Before the coldest part of the season, have your vehicle inspected and make sure important systems are ready for winter conditions. Pay particular attention to: Battery condition Tire pressure and tread Engine coolant Windshield washer fluid Wiper blades Lights Brakes Heating and defrosting systems It's also a good idea to check the weather and road conditions before leaving and let someone know your plans when traveling during severe winter weather. Be Prepared for Nebraska Winter Roads A little preparation can go a long way when winter weather arrives. Keeping a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle gives you useful supplies if you encounter a dead battery, get stuck in snow, or experience an unexpected delay. If your vehicle needs a winter inspection or service, the team at Janssen Kuenle CDJR of Plattsmouth is here to help keep you ready for the road. Schedule your next service visit and make sure your vehicle is prepared for the Nebraska winter ahead.

When your check engine light comes on, it can be difficult to know whether you need to stop driving immediately or simply schedule a service appointment. The answer depends on what the light looks like and how your vehicle is running. A check engine light means your vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected a potential problem. It could be something minor, such as a loose gas cap, or something that requires immediate attention. Solid vs. Flashing Check Engine Light A solid check engine light usually means your vehicle has detected a problem that should be diagnosed. If your vehicle is driving normally, you can typically drive it to a service department, but don't ignore the warning. A flashing check engine light is more serious. It can indicate an engine misfire or another condition that could cause additional damage. If the light is flashing and your vehicle is shaking, losing power, running poorly, or making unusual noises, pull over safely and have it inspected as soon as possible. 7 Common Reasons Your Check Engine Light Comes On Some of the most common causes include: Loose or damaged gas cap – A loose gas cap can trigger an emissions warning. Worn spark plugs – Faulty spark plugs can cause misfires and poor engine performance. Oxygen sensor problems – A failing sensor can affect fuel economy and emissions. Emissions-system issues – Your vehicle has several components designed to control emissions, and a fault can trigger the light. Ignition problems – Issues with ignition coils or related components can cause engine misfires. Catalytic converter problems – A failing catalytic converter can affect emissions and vehicle performance. Faulty sensors or electrical components – Modern vehicles depend on numerous sensors to monitor engine operation. Can You Drive With the Check Engine Light On? If the light is solid and your vehicle is running normally, you can often drive a short distance to have the problem diagnosed. However, continuing to drive indefinitely without finding the cause can turn a small problem into a larger—and potentially more expensive—repair. If the light is flashing, don't assume it's safe to continue driving. A flashing warning can indicate a serious engine issue. Nebraska drivers should also consider their driving habits. Long commutes, rural roads, gravel roads, and extended highway trips can make it especially important to address warning lights before you're far from home. What Should You Do When the Light Comes On? First, check whether the light is solid or flashing. Then pay attention to how your vehicle is behaving. If you notice rough idling, shaking, reduced power, poor fuel economy, unusual smells or noises, difficulty starting, or smoke, have the vehicle inspected promptly. If the vehicle seems to be running normally and the light is solid, schedule a diagnostic check to find out what's causing the warning. Check Engine Light FAQs Can a check engine light turn off by itself? Yes. A temporary issue can sometimes cause the light to turn off, but that doesn't necessarily mean the underlying problem is fixed. Is the check engine light the same as a maintenance light? No. A maintenance reminder indicates routine service may be due. A check engine light means the vehicle's diagnostic system has detected a potential problem. What does a flashing check engine light mean? It can indicate a serious issue, such as an engine misfire. Have the vehicle inspected promptly. How long can I drive with the check engine light on? There is no universal time or mileage limit. It depends on what's causing the light and how the vehicle is performing. Don't Ignore Your Check Engine Light A check engine light doesn't always mean an expensive repair, but it's a warning worth taking seriously. Getting the problem diagnosed early can help prevent additional damage and keep your vehicle running reliably. If your check engine light is on, contact Janssen Auto Group's service team to schedule a diagnostic inspection and find out what your vehicle needs.

At Janssen Auto Group, being part of a community means more than providing quality vehicles and automotive service. It means supporting the organizations, people, and causes that help Nebraska communities thrive. That’s why Janssen Auto Group is proud to support Mental Health Matters in Holdrege, Nebraska, as a Silver Sponsor. Mental health is an important part of a healthy, connected community. Organizations like Mental Health Matters help bring greater awareness to mental wellness and encourage people to recognize that asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. For Janssen Auto Group, supporting Mental Health Matters is another way to invest in the people and communities we have been proud to serve for more than five decades. Supporting the Holdrege Community Janssen Auto Group has deep roots in Holdrege. The group operates three dealerships in the community, including Janssen & Sons Ford, Lee Janssen Motor Company, and Janssen Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. Since the company was founded in Nebraska in 1971, Janssen Auto Group has built its reputation around relationships, personal service, and treating people with respect. Community involvement is a natural extension of those values. Supporting Mental Health Matters in Holdrege is one small but meaningful way Janssen Auto Group can help strengthen the community we call home. Why Community Partnerships Matter Strong communities are built when local businesses, organizations, families, and individuals work together. Whether the goal is supporting mental health awareness, local schools, community events, or other important causes, partnerships can make a meaningful difference. Janssen Auto Group is grateful for the opportunity to support organizations working to make life better for people throughout Holdrege and communities across Nebraska. We appreciate Mental Health Matters for the work they do and are honored to be a Silver Sponsor. Most importantly, we encourage everyone to remember that mental health matters, and that supporting one another helps make our communities stronger. Janssen Auto Group is proud to support Holdrege, Nebraska, and the people who make this community such a great place to live and work. Learn More, visit their Facebook page.