Preparing Your Vehicle for the Winter

The work never stops for car owners. It can seem like there’s always something that needs to be repaired, replaced or tuned-up. While that’s not necessarily always the case, it rings true before heading into the winter months.

Continue reading to learn how to prepare your vehicle for the winter:

• Check tire-tread depth: Worn-down tires decrease your stopping distance, and this problem only gets worse when the roads are snowy or icy. Inspect your tread depth, and replace your tires if it’s lower than 4/32 of an inch. Better yet, consider installing snow tires for even greater control on the snow and ice.
• Test the battery: Contrary to popular belief, it’s actually sweltering summer temperatures—not cold winter ones—that take a greater toll on your car battery. But to be sure your battery is good to go for the winter, have it tested at an auto shop, or buy your own testing kit online. Now’s a great time to replace your battery if it’s getting old.
• Change your oil: The next step for winter-proofing your car is to get an oil change. Replace your motor oil with a lower-viscosity product designed to keep your engine running its best in cold temperatures. Read your owner’s manual, or talk to a mechanic to see what oil is best for your engine this winter.
• Check your antifreeze: If it’s been a while since you’ve topped off your coolant, now’s the time to do so. You typically want a 60:40 ratio of coolant to water during the wintertime, but, again, consult with your owner’s manual to see what your manufacturer recommends.
• Change your washer fluid and windshield wipers: We’re heading into the season when windshield wipers get the most use. Ensure yours are ready for anything by replacing them today. Additionally, fill up your fluid reservoir with a solution designed for cold temperatures.
• Check your defroster and heater: The last thing you want is to drive through the winter without heat or a defroster. Not only will that be uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous. Bring your car into a pro to double-check that everything is working as it should.
• Have a deicer handy: Even if you go through all of the steps for winter-proofing your car, vehicle doors can still freeze. A frozen door leaves you out in the cold, so be prepared with a bottle of a deicing agent that can unfreeze a door or lock.
• Prepare an emergency kit: Finally, pack an emergency kit, and keep it in your car. Your kit should include non-perishable food items, bottled water, flashlights, gloves, a coat, snow boots and kitty litter or salt. Having this stuff on hand can get you out of a jam after an accident.

We can prepare your car for winter

Don’t just bring your car to anyone. Instead, come on down to Auto Air & Heating, Inc. We know all the tips and tricks on how to prepare your vehicle for the winter, and we can perform a full tune-up to ensure your car’s ready for the ice and snow.

Categorised in: General Maintenance

This post was written by Writer