10 Tips For Your Car This Winter

 

With temperatures dropping, it is essential to consider protecting yourself and your vehicle when traveling in the winter. Winter driving puts more strain on both you and your car, so be sure everything is in working condition before you get behind the wheel. A few easy inspections can help you avoid a breakdown while making driving in ice and snow easier and less unpleasant. After all, fixing something now might save you from a far more expensive breakdown in the winter – or from having to pay a large recovery charge if you become stuck someplace.

Here's our list of suggested winter automobile maintenance tips to ensure you do not get caught off guard by the winter.

Make sure that your antifreeze is in good working order.

If your car's cooling system does not have enough antifreeze when the temperature drops below zero, it might fail. Get an antifreeze tester from your local auto shop and consult your owner's manual to determine the proper proportion and kind of antifreeze to use. If necessary, you may get it tested at any nearby dealer or garage. Check the remainder of the cooling system for leaks or apparent damage, including the radiator, coolant hoses, and water pump.

Maintain the battery in your vehicle.

The cold may be brutal on your car's battery, especially if you do not use it regularly. Your car's battery is most certainly on its way out if it becomes difficult to start as the temperature drops. So, if you are unsure about the battery's health, take it to a local dealer or garage and get it checked out. Consider investing in a trickle charger to keep your car's battery full.

Make use of bright light.

If your car's light lenses are broken or faded, try purchasing a scratch repair kit for roughly $10.To prevent being caught off guard, have a pair of spare bulbs in your vehicle. Upgrades to more powerful bulbs may increase visibility in older automobiles, but be sure to select suitable and appropriate bulbs.

Examine the brakes.

Rattles, squeals, vibrations, a soft brake pedal, and a significant increase in stopping distance are all symptoms that your vehicle's braking system needs to be repaired. On icy or snowy roads, stopping distances are significantly increased, and worn or malfunctioning brakes can only make things worse; therefore, it is essential to get them checked out.

Make sure your tires are in good shape.

The state and quality of your tires will significantly impact how well your automobile operates on icy roads. If the tread is worn out, the sidewalls are broken, you have a gradual puncture, or the tires are a cheap brand, you may find it difficult to operate your vehicle. If the tread is low or there is any evidence of damage, inspect them thoroughly and replace them. If feasible, you should also consider upgrading to high-quality tires.

Keep your visibility high.

The loss of vision is one of the most dangerous aspects of winter. Replace any worn wiper blades with high-quality replacements, add winter-mixture screenwash to your washer fluid, and keep clean cloths on hand to wipe off your windshield and side mirrors. Additional screenwash should be carried in the car. It would be best to get any windscreen chips or cracks examined since the cold may exacerbate them.

Seals, locks, and hinges should all be well lubricated.

Cold temperatures can cause weather seals to adhere to doors, making them difficult to open or possibly destroying the seals. Vaseline will deteriorate the rubber, therefore do not use it to lube the seals. It is also worth spending a few minutes pouring silicone lubricant into hinges, locks, and linkages throughout the automobile. When the temperature drops, it prevents items from adhering. However, WD-40 is not a sufficient alternative for adequate lubrication and should not be used.

Gather supplies for a survival kit.

Take some time after you have finished winterizing your automobile to plan for the worst-case scenario. Spare bulbs, jump leads, a flashlight, a good tow strap, a high-visibility vest, warm clothing, a phone charger, drink, and chocolate should all be included in your backpack. Even if you are merely trapped in a bind, they might be helpful. If your location gets heavy snowfall regularly or on occasion, bring some wooden planks, a shovel, and some old carpet with you to assist in getting a stranded automobile going. If you have them, a modest selection of tools and spares, such as a bottle of coolant, oil, and an accessory belt, may be helpful.

Go for snow chains, stockings, or matting.

If you reside where heavy snowfall occurs frequently, chains may be necessary to keep you from being trapped. You can buy a good pair for upwards of $40 online, and they can be installed in minutes. Snow socks work similarly, providing enough grip and traction to navigate snow-covered roadways safely. However, once used, they are unpleasant to handle, so bring some disposable gloves and a bin liner or two to dispose of them. When you reach clear asphalt, just like with chains, do not keep driving on them. A set of affordable snow mats might be a good option for those who need to get going. Alternatively, have some old carpet offcuts in the trunk for emergencies.

Keep your car's paint and metals in good shape.

Because the grit used to de-ice roads can cause corrosion, remove any rust, touch up any paint chips or damage, and polish your car thoroughly before the winter season begins, if possible. It is also a good idea to pressure wash the underside of your automobile regularly to remove any salt or solution that might damage the underneath.

We hope that this guide was helpful to you! Remember for any car locksmith services, from extracting keys stuck in locks to emergency car lockouts, call ontimelocksmiths.com, we're available 24/7!