- Get the right kind of oil change. If you are approaching that time for an oil change then do not procrastinate! The oil used should have the right thickness for your vehicle at this time of the year. When the weather changes and gets colder the oil in your vehicle gets thicker. If oil becomes too thick it will not do a good job of keeping your engine lubricated. If you aren’t sure of which kind of oil to use check your owner’s manual or come visit any of our service locations at the Preston Automotive Group!
- Always make sure that you can see. When it starts snowing or raining you need to make sure that your windshield wipers are in tip top shape! Wiper blades usually work effectively for about one year. Don’t forget to get new ones put on if you have had yours for a year. You also want to make sure that your windshield washer reservoir is filled with washer fluid. Using water won’t clean your windshield in the winter because it can freeze if it is cold enough out! Make sure to also check if your heater and defroster are working correctly. If they are not working correctly have someone take a look at them before winter comes around in full swing!!
- Examine your belts and hoses. In the winter months, cold weather can have a huge effect on your belts and hoses so they need attention too just like the rest of your vehicle does. Have them checked for wear and tear!
- Give your battery some tender-loving care! This is the perfect time of year to make sure your battery’s posts and connections are corrosion free. If your battery is more than three years old or getting close to being three years old the stop by one of our certified service centers or body shops and test its ability to hold a charge.
- Check your tire pressure. Your tires must be properly inflated to ensure you will have the best traction while driving on the road. Traction is often severely jeopardized when it is raining outside or snowing outside. When the rain first starts that is when the road will become the most slippery.
- Think about switching to snow tires. If you live in a hilly place that gets its fair share of snow then you should consider getting snow tires. You can also get chains for your tires so that you are less likely to slip on the road while driving in the winter. When you are looking for snow tires look around and ask a lot of questions there might be fees for installing, mounting and balancing.
- Get the antifreeze mixture just right. In the winter months you should aim for having about a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water inside your radiator. This will help prevent the mixture from freezing even if it is insanely cold outside.
- Prepare an emergency kit. Store these items in your trunk when the weather gets cold just in case you decide to go on a last minute road trip! The essentials that you should put in your truck are a blanket, extra boots and gloves, an extra set of warm clothes, extra water and food, ice scraper, tire chains, a spare tire, tire-changing equipment, first aid kit and a flashlight. There are many more items that you can add to your trunk as well but are not listed here.
Easy Steps to Get your Car Ready For Winter
Winter is here and there are a few easy steps you can take to get your car ready for the cold, rain and snow that might come your way this winter.
