Preparing Your Engine
There are several aspects to preparing your car’s engine for winter weather. First, make sure you have the right type of oil in your engine. During the colder months, less viscous oil is necessary to keep your engine running smoothly. This means that even if you haven’t hit the mileage mark for an oil change, you should still swap out oils come November. Similarly, having the right kind of engine coolant is important during the winter months because engine coolant works to prevent corrosion within your car’s engine, not just to keep it cool in the summer months. Check the ingredients in your coolant and look for ethylene glycol to protect against the ice and cold.
Low Batteries
Just like any appliance, a low battery is going to turn out poor performance when it comes to your car. Colder weather reduces your battery capacity, so make sure to give it a full inspection before the weather hits. Any signs of loose connections or cracks in the battery should be addressed before trying to start up your car.
Your Tires and Windshield
It’s not only folks who live in areas that get a heavy snowfall that need to worry about proper winter tires. Ice can strike anywhere, making the roads treacherous and slick, leading to an increase in accidents during the winter months. Some people think they can simply rely on their four-wheel drive in the snow, but making the swap to snow tires is absolutely necessary. Make sure to change all four because mixing summer and winter tires can cause problems for your car. All-season tires can help eliminate this problem, but they may not be enough to handle winter roads, especially if you live in a more rural area.
Don’t forget about your windshield when winterizing your car. Try using a windshield washer fluid that contains antifreeze to keep ice and snow from building up on your car’s windshield. Also keep a close eye out for any cracks in the glass – cold weather can make these worse and leave you with a messy windshield situation.
While all of this is important, it’s a lot to remember. Hillmuth Certified Automotive has years of experience winterizing vehicles and can ensure that things are done the right way and nothing gets missed. This will help to ensure safety and long life for your vehicle. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
