Proper auto maintenance is crucial to keeping your car running during the colder months of the year when the climate can affect the function and operation of your vehicle. There are many ways you need to prep your vehicle to ensure you can continue to get around without any issues. Here are a few important steps to maintain your vehicle and allow it to drive well in the winter season.
Change the Tires
Many drivers make the mistake of leaving their standard tires on their cars throughout the winter season. The lack of traction on slippery roads can lead to accidents, making it necessary to install winter tires before inclement weather conditions start to arrive. Winter tires are made with rubber that is more flexible and can stay gripped to the road when the temperatures drop. Chains can also be added if you plan to drive in the mountains.
It's also important to check the tire pressure on your tires every few weeks to ensure they're properly inflated. The tires are prone to losing a lot of air in low temperatures, which can cause them to lose traction and will also affect your fuel efficiency. You can read your owner's manual to get an idea of what the manufacturer recommends your PSI should be.
Replace the Windshield Wipers
Replace your windshield wipers to ensure you can wipe off any snow and rain that accumulates as you spend time driving. Over time, the rubber material on the wipers can crack and separate from the blades, making it necessary to install new wipers before the winter season begins. This will make it easier to get a clearer view of the road through your windshield while driving in storms.
Schedule an Inspection
Hire a professional mechanic to inspect your vehicle from top to bottom to look for any parts that have wear and tear present. This will give you an idea if it's time for the brake pads to be replaced or for the tires to be rotated. The mechanic can also top off all of the fluids during the appointment to ensure you have enough coolant, wiper blade fluid, engine oil, and brake fluid.
Reach out to our dealership today to learn more about how to perform proper auto maintenance as you prepare for cold weather conditions. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you improve the operation of your vehicle to keep you safe on the road.
