The best time to get your vehicle ready for winter weather is in the fall, before temperatures dip and winter storms abound. The summer and winter months take a toll on cars. Batteries are more prone to fail and old hoses and belts are more likely to break. Following these 6 simple auto maintenance tips will help you winterize a car so you’re ready to go.
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- Make sure you can see. At one time or another, you’ve probably struggled to see through your windshield during a winter snowstorm because the wiper blades were old. You may also have run out of wiper fluid and experienced the inability to see through road salt that has been sprayed onto your windshield. Now is a good time to replace those windshield wiper blades and make sure the windshield wiper fluid is topped off. You may also want to keep extra wiper fluid in the trunk of your car – it goes quickly during the winter.
- Make sure you can be seen. Do a driveway check to make sure all your lights are working.
- Change your oil and check the level and condition of other vital fluids. Regular oil and filter changes will extend engine life, but don’t stop there. Make sure you check the other vital engine fluids, especially the antifreeze and transmission fluids. Not sure if your antifreeze is up for the task? Stop by the shop and we’ll be happy to test it for you. It should prevent freezing to temperatures at low as -34 degrees and should be clean. If not, schedule an appointment to have the antifreeze flushed and replaced.
- Replace a battery that’s nearing 4 years old. Car batteries last between 3.5 to 5 years. Cold winter mornings can quickly kill any life left in an older battery. Don’t risk not being able to start your vehicle on a cold, winter morning. Have it replaced.
- Check tire air pressure at least once a month and inspect your tires for uneven wear and tread depth. Replace tires that are worn or bald.
- Inspect hoses and belts for signs of wear and tear. Replace any hose that’s bulging or cracked and any belt that’s showing signs of cracking or excessive wear.
Country Road Automotive can handle all your automotive maintenance and repair needs. When you bring your vehicle to us, we’ll perform a 27-point courtesy inspection and will let you know if there are any problems that need your immediate attention. Click here to schedule an appointment to winterize a car, van or truck at Country Road Automotive in Lincoln Park, NJ.