As the last autumn leaves fall and the air steadily cools down, you know that winter is coming and that means it’s time to winterize your car. Colder weather can offer new and unique challenges for a car, and if not properly prepared for, it can cause some serious damage. That is why Wade Auto is here with tips and advice on how to winterize cars during this winter season. Following these tips will protect your car from problems brought on by winter and ensure that your car will be a reliable vehicle for years to come.
Basic Ways to Winterize Your Car
If your car was made before the eighties, winterizing it was essential in order to drive your car during the winter. It was a yearly ritual in order to keep your car running and making sure you could drop off your kids at school and get to work on time. With the modernization of the automobile industry, new technologies and techniques have developed to help minimize the amount of winterizing required for a car. However, because it is not an essential element to car ownership, too many vehicles are neglected during the winter. Here are the basic ways and tips to prepare your car for the winter season:
Fill-Up All Car Fluids
Replace any low fluids and make sure everything is full. This is the first step to take to winterize your car and prepare for the cold. Make sure you have the proper antifreeze in your car, make sure you get freeze-resistant windshield wiper fluid, and make sure you have the right oil—even possibly using a thinner oil during the winter. These three essential fluids may seem minimal, but are essential when preparing for the wintertime.
Prepare a Winter Kit for the Car
This is more important than you might think. Sometimes a quick trip to the grocery store or to get gas can turn into a stalled engine and being stranded in a freezing automobile. Make sure your winter kit has an extra jacket, a simple first aid kit, jumper cables, an ice scraper, and a flashlight with extra batteries in your car during all winter months. If luck favors the prepared, then you will be the luckiest driver on the road. No one wants to endure freezing temperatures while waiting for a tow or someone to jump their car.
Keep an Eye on Your Battery
The chemical reactions that create power in your battery are heavily affected by the winter weather. If your car is slow to start, make sure to check the battery cables and connectors, cleaning off any corrosion you might find. This is the best way to avoid a dead car battery during the winter.
Regular Maintenance
Make sure you are taking your car in regularly, even during the wintertime. Have your mechanic check those parts you heavily rely on during the winter like your tires, your four-wheel drive, and your defroster. A regular checkup will catch problems before they become big issues and keeps your car running smoothly during the winter months.
When you have done all you can to prepare your car for the coming cold season, do not forget to also check out Wade Auto for some affordable car parts to help winterize your car. With the right preparation and automobile accessories, your car can be ready for winter!