Why Should You Prepare Your Car For Winter?
Winter season is here! With wonderful holidays like Christmas and New Years just around the corner, its important to prepare your car for winter heavy travel. Long nights, cold temperatures, slippery surfaces all combine to make the coming season uniquely challenging. Taking care of some basic maintenance tasks before those conditions set in can boost safety, and help keep you and your passengers comfortable. As the cold weather descends, lets go over a few areas to check so chilly air doesn’t add extra damage to any existing problems.
Check Your Car Battery
We’ve all heard it a million times, but your car battery is the heart of your vehicle. In extreme temperatures, like the freezing cold, your car takes more power to start from the battery. To avoid a dead vehicle on a chilly morning, always be sure to let your car heat up properly after you crank it. Repeated hard starts will add unwanted years to your battery, causing it to die faster than usual. Take your car and run a battery load test to see if your battery is healthy or if it needs a replacement before harsher weather comes in. Be sure to lookout for corrosion around battery cables or cracked terminals as you prepare your car for winter.
Test Your Defroster
One thing we can all agree on is that one of the most important features about your car during the wintertime is the heat. It allows visibility, comfortability and all-around mobility of your vehicle. Always test your heat and defroster before the weather gets really crisp as you prepare your car for winter. Time how long it takes and keep a mental note for those mornings headed into work. Your air conditioner needs to be in tip-top shape to ensure proper defrosting. Plus if your windows are fogging up more and more–always have the fresh air button selected.
Replace Windshield Wipers & Fluid
Unfortunately, most people discover that their windshield wipers need replacing when they need them the most. Wiper-blades and wiper fluid are crucial to keeping your windshield free from rain, ice, snow, and everything else the roads may throw at you. They are a great tool to help get the morning frost off your car windshield and often need to be replaced. We recommend freeze-resistant wiper fluid and rubber clad blades to fight tough ice buildup. If you’re expecting a hard freeze soon, have a good quality ice scraper or snow brush on hand to give your vehicle the extra help it needs.
Inspect Your Tires
If your battery is the most significant part of your vehicle, then your tires absolutely come in second. Winter can be detrimental to your tire tread. Always check for remaining tire tread, any signs of uneven wear, the sidewalls for cuts and nicks and cupping. Be aware that the changing temperature will make your tire pressure system (TPS) light come on. While this is a side-effect of the drop in temperature–always be sure to check your tires if the light continues to stay on. This could mean you have a slow leak or a sharp object lodged inside. The recommended tire pressure is 30-35 PSI, but check your owners manual for the exact number!
Change Your Car Oil
Oil keeps your vehicle running smooth during abrasive winter days. Cold, chilly air tends to thicken oil and reduce its ability to circulate through the engine correctly. Make sure you have your regular oil change scheduled, so your car is able to make it through the long days of holiday travel safely. Experts recommend using a thinner oil or synthetic oil as you prepare your car for winter. The formula allows for your engine to run smoother, but always consult your owners manual or local technician to see what the best choice is for your car.
Inspect Belts & Hoses
Cold air causes surfaces to dry out quicker than usual. The belts and hoses inside your car can be easy victims to the cold weather, cracking and tearing easier than normal. Most of these belts and hoses carry important liquid from one place to another in your car. They keep your car running safely and smoothly. You can prepare your car for winter by checking each belt and hose you have under the hood.
Don’t Forget Your Standard Inspection
Last but not least–if you notice any of the things mentioned above, it’s important that you take your car to a repair shop immediately. Most of these repairs can be caught early on or even prevented by a standard, rotational inspection to your mechanic. Keep your vehicle maintenance up to date overall. As you prepare you car for winter, ensure that your brakes, transmission, and exhaust systems are in perfect working order. It is also recommended that you change your oil and filter it out every 3000-5000 miles.
Prepare Your Car for Winter with an Emergency Kit
Another way to prepare your car for winter is by compiling an emergency roadside kit in case of breakdowns. Here are a few of the useful items to have in your emergency kit:
- Blankets: In case you’re stuck in your car for an extended period of time during the winter.
- Non-Perishable Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits can provide sustenance if you’re stranded and hungry.
- Flashlight with Extra Batteries: Visibility is limited in winter, and a flashlight can be crucial in emergencies.
- First Aid Kit: Basic medical supplies can be invaluable in case of minor injuries.
- Jumper Cables: A dead battery is a common issue in cold weather. Jumper cables can help you get back on the road quickly.
- Shovel: If you encounter snow or ice, a small shovel can help you clear a path.
Did Winter Catch Your Car Off-Guard? Call Us Today!
Taking care of your vehicle is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience. As you prepare your car for winter, it will help you keep your vehicle road-ready and avoid unexpected breakdowns during the winter months. By investing a little time and effort into maintaining your vehicle now, you can enjoy the fruits of the season without worrying about breaking down. If you find yourself stranded or broke down be sure to give us a call.
At Marietta Wrecker, we understand the significance of reliable and efficient towing services when you find yourself in need. Our highly-skilled team is committed to offering outstanding assistance for your tow service requirements. Whether it’s a vehicle breakdown, an accident, or you just require roadside assistance, we are here to help! With prompt response times, well-maintained tow trucks, and highly trained professionals, we guarantee your vehicle will be handled with care and professionalism. Marietta Wrecker offers a comprehensive suite of towing services, from towing various vehicle types to jumpstarts, tire changes, lockout assistance, and fuel delivery. When you choose us, you can be confident that your needs will be met with excellence and customer care.