The winter weather can be brutal on your car, causing major headaches. Not only can it wreak havoc on your battery, but it can cause mechanical failures, as well as cause boot problems, windshield wiper problems and even serious accidents. October through February typically provide the nastiest weather.
You have to be ready for whatever the season can bring by getting your car ready now. What are some things that you can do to your vehicle to ensure that it lasts during the cold and snowy winter months?
1) Get An Inspection
The first thing that you should do is get your car inspected during the fall months. An inspection will alert you to any issues that you may need to take care before winter hits. If you are having any issues with the radiator, you should go in for radiator repair unless you want to spend the winter without a heater.
2) Put New Tires On It
Snow tires are a good idea to have on your car when the roads are slippery and offer less traction. While a regular tire may be OK if you have a newer car, snow tires have deeper treads that are better and sticking to the road and pushing snow out of the way.
3) Fix The Brakes If Necessary
Make sure that you have your brakes checked as a part of any inspection. If you hear any squeaking or grinding when you attempt to brake, the brakes and the rotors should be replaced right away. Having poor brakes on a slippery road is a recipe for disaster.
4) Top Off All Fluids
The last thing that you need when driving on the road is a lack of windshield washer fluid. When the grime and the sleet starts piling up on the windshield, you need to have enough fluid to keep it clean. While you are topping off the wiper fluid, make sure to check your engine oil and your antifreeze levels.
5) Remove Any Unnecessary Extra Weight
It will be easy to stop and maneuver on the roads when your car is at a proper weight. As you won’t be needing the surfboard, the soccer balls or the baseball equipment during the winter, it is better to get it out of the car and into storage. Reducing the weight inside of your car is also good for gas mileage.
You need to take the winter weather seriously if you are driver. Your car needs to be ready to handle the worst that nature can throw at it. If you take time to prepare now, the cold weather and slippery roads will be nothing but a mere inconvenience on your way to work or school each day.
