Can you believe its already December? Winter hasnt officially begun yet, but its just around the corner. That means even more cold and wet weather is on the way. By now, you already have your warm coats and sweaters out and your thermostat turned up. Youve probably had your furnace serviced recently, too. After all, the last thing you want to have is your furnace breaking down at this time of year. The same can be said for your vehicle. Theres not much worse than getting stranded out in the cold on a busy freeway after your car breaks down.
Top Tips for Winter Car Preparation
In order to avoid an awful situation like this, you need to give your car, truck, crossover, or SUV some extra attention. And now is the time to do it. So what should you do? Here are some important tips to help you get your vehicle ready for Old Man Winter.
Hows Your View one of the most important parts of winter driving is being able to see. For that you need good wiper blades to keep your windshield clean. If you havent changed them in a while, it might be time for a new set. You should fill up your wiper fluid reservoir, as well; to make sure you can keep your windshield clean of dirt and grime.
An Oil Change getting timely oil changes is always important, but for some vehicles its a good idea to use a different grade or viscosity during the winter. You want to avoid having your oil thicken in the cold weather, so using a different weight could be a good idea.
Check Your Belts and Hoses your belts and hoses tend to harden in the cold weather so be sure they are all in good condition. If you notice any abnormal wear and tear then get them replaced.
Dont Forget Your Antifreeze make sure you not only have enough antifreeze in your radiator, but also the right mixture of antifreeze and water. This helps prevent the coolant from freezing.
Is Your Battery Healthy batteries tend to take a hit in the cold weather. So this is a good time to check its overall health and condition. Be sure it holds a good charge. Check the connections for any signs of wear and clean them if you notice any corrosion.
Tire Pressure and Traction always make sure you check your tires, including air pressure. Over time, your air pressure dips, especially in colder weather. So make sure your tires are properly inflated. You should also check your traction and make sure your tread is sufficient. You might want to consider snow, or traction tires, as well. If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, check you four-wheel drive system and tires to be sure everything is in working order.
Pack an Emergency Kit no matter how much you prepare, bad things can still happen. Thats why its always a good idea to pack an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle. Items should include a blanket, warmer clothes and boots, a flashlight, flares, an ice scraper, some food and water, and jumper cables, to name just a few.
Get Your Car Ready for Winter With Hoesly Automotive
Winter is coming. The weather isnt going to be getting better any time soon. So take the necessary steps now to get your vehicle ready for the season. If your winter vehicle preparation requires any repairs or routine maintenance then bring it in to Hoesly Automotive. Well get it taken care of and get you back safely on the road. Dont get stuck out in the cold. Give us a call todayto make your next appointment or click here to set up an appointment online.
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