As cold weather blows in, there are many steps we take to properly prepare. For example, we may cycle our summer clothes to the back of the closet and bring our heavy coats out of storage. We may also inspect our furnace or heating unit, and make sure outdoor faucets are properly covered.
Another important way to prepare for cold weather is vehicle winterization. The harsh elements and low temperatures can cause your car to work twice as hard as it does in milder weather, but with the right maintenance and care, you can prevent that extra work from taking too great a toll.
Here are a few of our tips to winterizing your car.
Preparing Your Car for Winter
- Test the battery. Cold temperatures will force your car battery to work harder than normal, which is why battery failure is such a common occurrence in the winter season. Avoid getting stranded by testing your battery now and replacing it if needed.
- Keep your tires inflated. Check the owner’s manual to see the recommended psi level for your tires, and use a gauge to monitor them every two or three weeks. Be aware that changes to atmospheric pressure can cause your tire pressure levels to fluctuate.
- Have winter tires put on. If you’re using summer or all-season tires, you may want to consider swapping them out for winter ones. Winter tires will allow for better, safer handling on icy or snow-covered roads.
- Check your coolant. Coolant, also called antifreeze, prevents your engine from freezing up. This is especially important when it’s cold outside, so be sure your coolant level is high.
- Pack an emergency kit. On the off chance that you do get stalled by a dead battery or a flat tire, you’ll want to have an emergency kit with you. Make sure it includes a flashlight, extra batteries, a thermal blanket, some extra engine oil, jumper cables, etc.
Is Your Vehicle Ready for Winter?
Proper winterization can keep your vehicle functioning at a peak level even through the harshest elements. And, it will help keep you and your passengers safe. If you have any questions, contact our service center today.