In the same way that you take the necessary steps to prepare your house for the winter, you must give some attention to your car to make sure it is ready for the cold months ahead as well. As the temperatures become increasingly cooler with each passing day, here are just a few areas that you should monitor with the help of an auto repair shop in Madison, TN to make sure that your car is ready for the winter:
- Tires: Making sure that your tires are ready for the slick, dangerous winter roads should be one of your top priorities. Make sure to check your tire pressure after the temperatures begin to drop to get an accurate assessment, as the air in your tires expands during warm weather. It is very important that your tires are inflated properly, because driving on slippery roads without the correct amount of pressure can make it that much more difficult to navigate an already challenging situation.
- Motor oil: Your car’s motor oil is responsible for making sure that your engine stays lubricated. During the winter, however, this oil has the tendency to thicken as the temperatures continue to drop. Synthetic oil offers consistent and balanced flow characteristics, meaning that it won’t thicken and restrict movement in the winter, and it also won’t get too thin in the summer when it is warm. As you prepare for the winter, it might not be a bad time to switch to synthetic oil if you are not already using it.
- Windshield wipers: In order to safely make your way from one location to another in snowy weather, wipers that are in good condition will be a necessity. Signs of worn windshield wipers include areas where the rubber is cracked or chipped, or beginning to fall off completely. If you notice any of these signs, make sure that your wipers are replaced before the weather gets bad. In addition, make sure that your windshield wiper fluid is topped off before the winter hits.
- Heating and cooling system: In the cold winter months, your defroster will be your best friend, as it will help provide you with the visibility you need to travel safely. In addition to making sure that your heating system is ready for the cold weather, it is also important to make sure that your cooling system is in good working condition because your AC plays a key role in helping to defrost your chilly windows. Before the winter hits, have an auto technician flush your system so that any and all impurities are removed from your coolant.
There are other areas of your car that will likely need pre-winter maintenance as well. In order to make sure your car is completely ready for the cold months ahead, give us a call at Madison Muffler & Auto Repair. Over the past 11 years, we have established a reputation for being a reliable, customer-driven auto repair shop in Madison, TN. Make sure you give us a call today to schedule your winter vehicle maintenance appointment!