Vehicle manufacturers have designed vehicles to perform well on ice and snow-covered roads, but we all know that doesn’t mean they are impervious to problems. Cold weather can affect your vehicle in several ways, and if you’re not prepared, it could lead to major issues.
Outline:
- Tip 1: Check your brakes.
- Tip 2: Check your tires.
- Tip 3: Put winter tires on your automobile.
- Tip 4: Keep an eye on your fuel levels
- Tip 5: Check your wipers and headlights.
- Tip 6: Keep an emergency kit in your car.
- Tip 7: Keep an extra set of clothes and shoes in your car.
- Tip 8: Have your battery replaced or recharged.
- Tip 9: Clean the air filter.
- Tip 10: Get an oil change before winter hits.
- Dependable Car Care Services in Ventura, CA
There are almost as many ways to prepare your car for winter driving conditions as there are miles of streets and highways, so we decided to take the guesswork out of preparing your vehicle by compiling the latest tips and tricks across the web.
Tip 1: Check your brakes.
Winter driving conditions can put extra stress on your brakes, so it’s important to make sure they’re ready for the season. Brake pads wear down faster when they’re cold, which means you’ll need them replaced more often if you drive in wintery conditions.
Your mechanic can inspect them for wear and tear and recommend brake repair or brake pad replacement. They can also check fluid levels and flush out any debris that could cause problems down the line. If everything checks out, they’ll adjust the brake pedal height so it feels comfortable when you’re driving in slippery conditions.
Tip 2: Check your tires.
If you’ve recently purchased new tires or had them replaced, make sure they’re properly inflated and balanced. Cold weather can cause tires to lose air pressure, so check the pressure in each tire before you hit the road. Underinflated tires can lead to poor performance and safety issues on the road. Check your vehicle manual to see what the proper pressure is for your car’s tires.
Tip 3: Put winter tires on your automobile.
Tires can be one of the most important things to consider when driving in cold weather conditions, so it’s always a good idea to invest in winter tires. Winter weather wreaks havoc on tire treads and deteriorates them faster than usual — that’s because snow and ice create extra friction between the road and your tires. Winter tires have more tread on them than regular tires, which helps them grip better on snow and ice. They also have a softer rubber compound, which helps them maintain traction when temperatures drop below freezing.
Tip 4: Keep an eye on your fuel levels.
Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times during the winter months so that you do not run out of fuel while driving through an area where help may not be available quickly. This is especially important if you are traveling in a remote area or to a location where there are no gas stations for miles. If your fuel gauge drops below half full, stop at the next available opportunity to fill up your tank. However, if your car does run out of fuel, it can be extremely dangerous. You should never try to push a vehicle that is stuck or broken down on the road. Instead, find help and wait for emergency crews to arrive.
Tip 5: Check your wipers and headlights.
Make sure that your windshield wipers are in good condition and working properly; if they’re worn out, cracked, or damaged, replace them before winter hits. You should also clean any bugs off your headlights so that other drivers can see you clearly when driving at night. Check your vehicle manual or with a professional mechanic to see if you need new wipers.
Tip 6: Keep an emergency kit in your car.
Make sure that you have an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. This should include items such as a battery charger, jumper cables, flares or reflective triangles, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable food items. You might also consider having a shovel, ice scraper, and snow brushes in the trunk of your vehicle.
Tip 7: Keep an extra set of clothes and shoes in your car.
If you get stuck somewhere during inclement weather conditions, this will be helpful to have on hand so that you don’t have to walk home in wet socks if your home is far away from where you are stranded. A blanket can keep you warm while waiting for help to arrive in freezing temperatures, so it’s always a good idea to have one on hand when traveling during the winter months.
Tip 8: Have your battery replaced or recharged.
Car batteries are usually something that most people don’t think about until they’re needed. But if you’ve ever been stuck on the side of the road with a dead battery, you know how important it is to keep your car’s battery in good shape.
Having your battery checked can help you avoid getting stuck somewhere during inclement weather conditions. Whether it’s a regular or a hybrid battery, a weak one can cause your vehicle to stop working in cold temperatures, so it’s always a good idea to have it replaced or recharged before winter hits.
Tip 9: Clean the air filter.
If you haven’t cleaned your vehicle’s air filter in a while, you should consider doing so now. A dirty air filter can cause your engine to work harder and use more fuel, which leads to higher emissions. This makes it harder for your car to start when temperatures drop below freezing, so cleaning out your vehicle’s air filter is important if you want it to run smoothly during the winter months.
Tip 10: Get an oil change before winter hits.
Even if you’re not due for an oil change, make sure your vehicle is running smoothly with clean oil before driving in bad weather conditions. This will help prevent your engine from overheating and keep you safer on the road.
If you don’t know how to check your oil or how often it should be changed, have a mechanic do it for you. Aside from oil change and brake inspection, your mechanic should also be able to help you with any other maintenance issues your vehicle has. This can help you avoid getting stranded in the middle of nowhere and having to call for roadside assistance.
Dependable Car Care Services in Ventura CA
Don’t let the winter season cause you trouble this year. Use these 10 important tips to keep you and your car safe when it’s cold outside. Be sure to stay dry, warm, and mobile during icy conditions this winter.
If you need expert service and maintenance, Dependable Car Care can help. We are an ASE-certified automotive repair shop located on Los Angeles Drive, Ventura CA. Call us at 805-918-5286 to get your free quote and winter-proof your car today!
