When winter sets in and the temperature drops, driving conditions become more difficult. The weather isn’t only hard on you, it’s tough for your car too. If you want to make sure that your vehicle won’t let you down, follow these six tips to make it winter-ready.
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Give Your Car a Winter Coat
During the winter, the roads are covered in salt, which helps to keep them ice-free. But salt is not good for your car’s bodywork. Give it a wash and a good coat of wax to protect it from the corrosive salt and road dirt. It’s recommended to wash and wax your vehicle at least twice a month to stop the grime from accumulating.
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Change to Winter Tires
Before the cold really sets in, replace your normal tires with winter tires. They’re made of a softer compound, which maintains flexibility at lower temperatures to give you a better grip. It’s no good having winter tires if they’re not at the right pressure. Check the tire pressure every week, and bear in mind that over inflation is even worse than under-inflation on slippery roads. You can find the correct pressures for your vehicle on the door jamb or in your owner’s manual.
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Have Your Battery Tested
Your battery works harder in the winter because you have the lights, wipers, and heater on more than usual. When you have to get somewhere, there are few things worse than being stranded in freezing temperatures with a dead battery. A new battery usually lasts for three to four years, but if you’re not sure when yours was last changed, have it tested at your local battery specialist. If it doesn’t need changing, make sure all the connections are free from corrosion.
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Check Your Fluids
In winter, your car’s fluids can be affected by lower temperatures, so make sure they are at the right levels and strengths. The coolant should be a 50-50 mix of water and antifreeze to be effective. You can invest in a coolant tester or have it checked at your friendly local service center. Similarly, you’ll be depending a lot on your wipers, so use extra washer fluid; carry extra wiper fluid and antifreeze in your trunk. Also, check the oil level and your brake and power steering fluids more frequently.
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Replace the Windshield Wipers
During a heavy fall of rain or snow, worn wipers can leave you with impaired vision, which is dangerous for you and others. It’s advisable to change your wipers every year, so if yours are getting a little worn, change them now. When your windshield is frozen, make sure your wipers aren’t stuck before you try to use them, or you could rip the blades off.
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Keep Your Gas Tank Full
When your gas tank is low on fuel, moisture can build up and dilute the gas. In extreme temperatures, the moisture can freeze and cause severe damage. Keep your tank as full as possible to prevent the build-up of moisture.
Following these few simple tips can help to keep your car running smoothly all winter. If in doubt, ask the friendly experts at Performance Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Delaware for advice – we’d more than happy to address any of your concerns!
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