As the winter season opens, sleet, freezing rain, and snow introduce a host of challenges and problems to our daily lives. If you own a car, you know how difficult it is to keep it operating safely during inclement weather conditions.
Of course, there are some things you can do to ensure that your vehicle is in good condition during the winter months. Moreover, there are some measures you can take to maximize the ability of your car to keep you and your family safe while you’re driving in the snow. In this post, we are going to share the techniques you can follow to prep your vehicle for the winter.
Get the Appropriate Oil for the Cold Season
When you live in a four-season region, you should never procrastinate when it comes to performing maintenance procedures on your car. Do not put off changing your oil. Also, you must ensure that the oil you will use has the right viscosity, suitable for the winter season. Keep in mind that as the weather gets colder, oil starts to thicken. So, if it gets too thick, it will not be able to do an excellent job at keeping your engine properly lubricated. You can check your owner’s manual to get information about the kind of oil to use for the winter season.
Check Your Tires
Remember that the key to staying safe on the road is to have good tires. So, it is essential for you to check your tire’s tread depth and pressure. The great news is, you only need to go through a few simple steps in keeping your tires in good condition. First, you need to go to your local auto supply shop and purchase a simple gauge. This tool will allow you to check your tire pressure. Make sure you check your manual to know the recommended pressure level.
If you need to fill your tires with air, you can go to the nearest gas station. After all, most gas stations provide air fill-ups for free. If your area gets heavy snow during the season, it will be a good idea to install winter tires towards the end of the fall. They will make all the difference when you’re trying to get around.
Inspect your Battery
The winter season is the ideal time to ensure that there are no rusts in the posts and connections of your battery. Moreover, it is crucial for you to make sure that your battery has all the water it needs. If you have a battery that is older than three years old, you must bring it to a certified repair shop. Have it tested to ensure that it has the ability to hold a charge. Do not expect to find a Good Samaritan who will stop in the middle of a blizzard to help you jump-start your car.
Check your Hoses and Belts
When you get your vehicle serviced, do not forget to ask the mechanic to check the belts and hoses to see if there are signs of wear and tear. Whether you’re driving a used Japanese car or any kind of modern vehicle, you should not skip this maintenance step. The cold weather can put extra strain your hoses and belts. So, you need to give them the attention they deserve.
Use the Right Windshield Wiper Fluid
Keep in mind that not all windshield wiper fluids are the same. During the spring, summer, and fall seasons, you can use an ordinary washer. However, this type of fluid becomes practically useless during the winter season. Keep in mind that ordinary wiper fluid freezes easily once it comes in contact of your windshield. So, as the winter season approaches, switch to the appropriate windshield washer. This is designed not to freeze on your windshield. Moreover, it helps loosen the snow and ice from your windshield.
There are several things you can do to keep your car in good condition during inclement weather. However, you must also be prepared for the worst. Make sure you check out our tips for getting your car unstuck from the snow.
