All posts tagged winter care for auto

As winter is approaching, most of us are busy with holiday preparations and house winterization, and though your car is loved and used every day, you probably don’t think about things you could do to winterize it like you would for a house. If you don’t have a garage to store your car in, then it’s going to need some extra attention. It’s important to take the necessary steps to care for your car before and during the winter.

Batteries Die

In order to avoid being late for work because your car won’t start, check your battery before winter hits. The terminals should be clean and tight. Batteries also need to be replaced every three to five years. If you’ve reached that time frame, find a new battery made to survive in cold temperatures.

Tires Lose Pressure

As the air starts to cool between seasons, the lowering temperatures causes tires to lose pressure. The wrong tire pressure will lower the road performance of your car and not only can that cause damage to your tires, but could cause failure during snowy and icy conditions. The best way to prevent this is by checking your tire pressure weekly. It may be a hassle, but tire gauges are cheap, and many gas stations offer free air.

Fluids Thicken

The cold temperatures not only turn rain drops into snowflakes, but it also thicken up the fluids that help your car run smoothly. Some of these fluids need to be able to move quickly around the engine for the car to properly start and run. Before winter even arrives, check all the fluids in your car to make sure they’re in good condition. You can also buy products that are made specifically for cold temperatures. Throughout the winter months, be aware of the condition your fluids are in and always top off before a long drive.

Without a garage to hide your car in, the winter cold can bring a lot of damage. Between a loss in tire pressure, a dead battery, and some thick fluids, you could end up having to pay a lot to fix some pretty preventative problems. And paying for anything right after the holidays is never fun. See if your local auto parts store or Newgate School can recommend any tips for preparing a vehicle for winter. If you take the time to look after your car before winter arrives, then maybe you can save yourself some heartache.