Winter is almost here. That means it’s starting to get cold outside. And when the temp drops, that’s the sign you should get your car ready for extreme weather conditions.
When it comes to winter car maintenance, there are a few important tips that every car owner should know. Fortunately, this article takes a look at the top tips you need to understand about winter car care.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to keep your car running in top form even when Mother Nature makes it cold and nasty outside.
1. Keep Your Gas Topped Off
Believe it or not, it’s important to keep your gas tank topped off with gas when the temp drops below freezing.
Why? For starters, there’s nothing worse than running out of gas and getting stranded when it’s freezing out.
Secondly, water vapor inside a partially-filled tank can freeze, causing the gasoline to not flow properly through the fuel line.
2. Check Your Tires
You’ll need to check both your tire pressure and the quality of your tire tread.
Tires that are under-inflated or bald won’t grip the road effectively. This can cause steering issues, including the increased possibility of sliding or skidding on frozen and slick surfaces.
3. Make Sure You Have Antifreeze
Do you know what happens when you fail to add antifreeze to your radiator during freezing weather? Simply put, the contents of your radiator will freeze, thus failing to circulate and properly cool your engine. That’s bad news when it’s cold outside.
When it gets cold outside, Strasser Insurance can help make sure you’re covered in case of an auto accident.
4. Check Your Battery
Wise drivers understand the value of testing their battery several times a year. Especially during winter. This is because cold weather is rough on a battery, and you could end up with a car that won’t start when it’s least convenient.
Fortunately, most automotive stores will test your battery for free.
5. Replace Your Wiper Blades
Replace your windshield wipers at least once a year. Especially in areas that experience lots of snow and ice. Those rubber blades can quickly wear out and fall apart, thus becoming useless when driving in bad weather.
6. Have Your Brakes Inspected
When the roads get slick, you’ll need to know that you can count on your brakes. That’s why it’s important to have them serviced by a professional at least once a year. It’s a minor expense that can help keep you safe regardless of weather conditions.
7. Keep a Survival Kit
A final tip for winter car care is to keep a survival kit in your auto at all times. The contents should include a warm blanket, energy bars, water, matches, and road flares so that you can signal for help if you’re stranded.
Important Winter Car Maintenance Tips
When it comes to staying safe on the road during cold conditions, these winter car maintenance tips can help get you home safely.
Keep scrolling to see more great automotive tips and advice.