The coming of winter is no time to take your car for granted, especially if you still need to invest in a good set of tires. A snowstorm can leave you stranded on the side of the road if your tires aren’t up to par with other cars driving around you. Winter weather also puts extra strain on your engine and transmission—both things that will need to be checked regularly. Here are some tips for caring for your vehicle in the cold-weather months:
Keep gas levels full
The first step in maintaining a reliable winter car care routine is to keep gas levels full. This ensures enough fuel for your engine to stay warm, preventing it from freezing.
If you keep your gas tank full, you can avoid frozen fuel lines. And with no gas in them, they won’t be able to unfreeze themselves when temperatures rise again, which could leave you stranded on a deserted highway after dark. This will also force you into a situation where someone else has to bail you out of trouble (and charge an arm and a leg for their services). If you’re out on the road and find yourself running low on gas, don’t panic.
Try to make it to a station as soon as possible, but stay off the highway if possible. So if you find yourself stranded on a deserted highway in the middle of winter, your priority should be to get out of there.
Test your brakes regularly
The most important thing you can do to ensure that your vehicle is safe during winter driving is to have good brakes. Brakes are an essential part of any car, and if they aren’t working correctly, you may be putting yourself and others at risk.
Start parking on a flat surface with plenty of room around the vehicle to test your brakes. Apply light pressure (not a whole foot) on the brake pedal while slowly rolling down an incline. If the car stops smoothly and doesn’t move when releasing tension from the pedal, then your brakes are good.
If this isn’t how it works for you, don’t panic. Just get them checked out by a mechanic before attempting any major braking maneuvers or long drives in bad weather conditions.
Maintain your wiper blades
When maintaining your car, you should always be aware of the items that can cause damage if not properly maintained. Your wipers are one of those items. Wiper blades are a great way to keep the snow off your windshield so you can see through it during inclement weather.
But if they aren’t working properly, they can hinder your vision and make driving in snowy conditions dangerous. The average lifespan for wiper blades is six months. However, if you do not regularly replace them when needed, this could be shorter.
Wipers are one of the most critical parts of a vehicle. They are designed to clear the windshield and keep you from getting blinded by rain or snow. If your wipers are not working correctly, you could risk putting yourself in bad weather conditions. So make sure to have them regularly checked.
Check the anti-freeze fluid level
This is simple, but you mustn’t forget to check it every winter. Low or empty coolant can cause significant damage to your car’s engine. It could even lead to expensive repairs or replacement parts.
Make sure to check your coolant levels before you start driving in cold weather and after you’ve parked for several hours (if possible). If there needs to be more anti-freeze in your system, add some immediately!
If you don’t have any anti-freeze on hand, use plain water instead. The effects of freezing temperatures will be much less severe if they’re mixed with water instead of ethylene glycol—which most brands of antifreeze contain—so go ahead and use regular H2O until you can get more antifreeze at the store.
Just make sure not to overfill it. Keep an eye on how much liquid goes into your radiator so it doesn’t overflow when temperatures drop below freezing again.
Invest in high-quality tire changers
While the best way to avoid damaging your tires during winter car care is to stay off the roads, sometimes that’s not possible. If you have to drive in winter weather, investing in high-quality auto shop equipment, like tire changers, is a must. Tire changers can help you get around when the roads are icy and dangerous, making them a must-have for any winter driver. The best tire changers are easy to use and durable enough for frequent use over many years.
They also come with protective features that help prevent damage while changing tires and should be safe enough for anyone who needs them—even people who haven’t changed their tires yet. In addition, look out for models designed specifically for your vehicle’s size. If you want to ensure your vehicle is safe during all seasons, invest in high-quality tire changers today.
In Summary
It’s essential to take care of your vehicle in the winter so that it will last longer and you can drive safely. A good car care routine can help keep your car running smoothly throughout the year, not just during the cold months when it’s particularly important to be prepared for icy roads and snowstorms. By following these tips, you’ll be able to avoid costly repairs because your vehicle will be ready for whatever weather comes its way.