Winter car maintenance is extremely important. With winter being right around the corner, it is important that you ensure your vehicle is prepared to handle the frigid temps and snow. Doing so can help you save money in the event your car needs to be repaired.
Tips To Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Ready for the Winter
Many questions, such as “Do I need winter air in my tires?” and others may go through your head. It is important that you keep the air in your tires, but you must prepare your vehicle by following these additional steps.
Inspect Your Vehicle’s Battery
The cold weather can be extremely hard on your car’s battery. This is the biggest reason you should have it checked out to ensure it is strong enough before winter. When you check the battery, you can observe it for corrosion. If you notice a buildup of corrosion on the battery, you should have it replaced. If you are not sure what to look for when checking your car’s battery, you can take it to a mechanic.
Keep Up With Required PSI
Your PSI, or tire pressure, should be well-maintained during the winter months. Cold air can cause the air pressure to seep out if temps hit below freezing. To ensure you keep up with the required PSI in your tires, check your tire pressure once a week. Reduced air pressure can cause your gas mileage to drop as well.
Purchase Winter Tires
Consider having winter tires installed on your vehicle to ensure safe driving in the winter. They are definitely worth the investment because they can keep you from skidding while driving in the snow. Snow tires also have the necessary traction to help grip wet and snowy roadways.
Check Brakes
Having your brakes inspected before winter arrives is also important. Winter can wreak havoc on your brakes, and it is important to prepare them for what’s to come. With the winter comes snow, salt, and other moisture that can cause rust to develop on your brakes and rotors.
Check Fluid Levels
Be sure to check your windshield fluids and brake fluid levels at the start of winter. Brake fluid will need to be flushed before the winter since it is susceptible to getting dirty during the season. Once your brake fluid has been flushed, you can fill it with new fluid.
Have Tires Rotated
Tire rotations may not be the solution to everyone’s problem. If your tires are badly worn, a rotation won’t do you any good. Instead, you may just need to purchase all new tires for your car. The best way to tell if you need new tires is by checking the tread on them.
Install New Windshield Wiper Blades
There’s nothing better than a new pair of installed windshield wiper blades. The good news is that you can replace them for a very affordable price. If you are unsure about installation, you can always have someone install them for you.