7 Essential Winter Car Care Tips You Need To Know
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Say goodbye to the warm weather because the winter season is here, and it's time to prepare your car. The cold season is one of the most stressful times for automobiles because the harsh weather conditions can make your car work harder than usual.
Winter can be damaging to your vehicle if you don't take proper care of it. With cold temperatures, you can get snow-boggle engines, frozen tires, and stiffened steering systems. And while you may not be able to avoid all of these problems, there are plenty of ways to protect your car from the elements. Here are some essential winter car care tips that will help car owners take good care of their vehicles during the cold season:
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The Top Winter Car Tips
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01) Check the Car's Battery
It's easy to ignore a low battery in the colder months because when you rotate the key in your ignition, the battery seems strong enough to start your engine. But a weak battery can cause many problems, including not starting when you need it most. Test your battery by starting it with a jumper cable or asking someone else for help if necessary. Check the voltage level with an inexpensive voltmeter available at any auto parts store or Wal-Mart. If it falls below 12 volts, replace it before summer comes around again!
02) Replace Wiper Blades
Wiper blades should be replaced once every six months or so because they tend to wear out over time due to exposure to harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, and ice. It would help if you also cleaned them properly, so they don't become cloudy or streaked with dirt and grime from the road surface during use. This can affect visibility while driving at night.
03) Get Your Car Serviced For The Season
Servicing a car depends on the vehicle and how you drive it. Some cars need to be serviced every six months, while others depend on how far they've been driven. Still, it's a good idea to get your car serviced before winter, no matter what kind it is, to make sure all the fluids are full and that you have the right tires and wheels for the best traction on the road.
A seasonal service takes little time. Just call a nearby garage and make an appointment for your car to be checked out. It should be ready to go in a few days, unless it needs some work to make it safe for the season. Make sure you have seasonal tires to lower the chance of getting into an accident. Look at things like the Ford Transit owner's manual for help on what needs to be done. If the garage can't change the tires, you'll have to visit a tire center for winter tires.
04) Make Sure The Wheels Are In Good Shape
Winter tires are essential to winterizing your car because they affect how well you can drive on icy roads. Snow tires are important, but you must also drive carefully and be aware of the risks on winter roads. One of the most dangerous things for drivers to watch out for is black ice that looks like the road's black tarmac.
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05) Make Essential Repairs Before The Mid Winter
The next step is to take your car to a local garage for a winter service. However, there may be some maintenance work, which you will have to do yourself if the garage can't do it.
Some of the mechanical repairs you should keep an eye on are the exhaust pipe, brake pedal, plates, tail lights, windshield wipers, low tire pressure, engine coolant levels, and the battery. If you want to save money on auto repairs this winter, you can do some of them yourself after buying the parts for less online. For example, windshield wipers are easy to buy and put on, and it's a good idea to purchase an extra set in case the cold weather causes them to break. During the winter, it's also a good idea to buy a new battery.
06) Put Emergency Supplies In Your Car
Whether it's food and water or blankets and warm clothes, it's wise to have some basic supplies in your car at all times. There is always a chance that your vehicle might break down or get stuck in the winter.
Also, if winter storms hit unexpectedly, there's always a possibility that it'll last longer than expected or, even worse — there may not be any way out! So having emergency supplies in your vehicle can make all the difference when things start going wrong and help keep everyone safe until help arrives. This can include items like an ice scraper, jumper cables, cell phone car charger, warm clothing and blankets (or extra clothes if you have kids), water bottles, non-perishable food items, a first aid kit, and other items that could come in handy.
07) Check Your Tire Pressure Before You Drive
You should always be keeping track of your tire pressure. When it comes to tires, you want them properly inflated for maximum performance and safety. You can check tire pressure by looking at the sidewall of each tire where it says "PSI." To determine how much air pressure your tires should have, consult your owner's manual.
There is no doubt that a car needs regular maintenance and has to be in tip-top condition for the winter weather. Are you taking the proper steps to prepare your car for winter conditions? Let us know in the comments!
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