Winter Car Care
Checking on tire pressure is a smart idea and can help the life of your tires, winter or all-season. When the weather gets cold tire pressure can decrease as air contracts and the shape and balance of tires can become compromised. Keep a tire pressure gauge handy to check the pressure if your tires look flatter or out of shape.
If you haven’t taken your car in for a winter inspection, take notice of the battery performance as the thermometer dips. If you feel your vehicle has trouble starting even after being driven for some time it may mean your battery is coming to the end of its life. A mechanic can certainly check the health of your battery. However, it’s always a good idea to have a set of jumper cables in the truck of your vehicle, just in case. Make sure you use the owner’s manual for jump-starting instructions!
Fluids are another part of a vehicle that is affected by the cold weather, and they will often thicken up when the temperature dips. If you haven’t done so already, top up your fluids including antifreeze, washer fluid, oil, power steering, and even transmission and brake fluid. Always follow the manufacturer guidelines in the owner’s manual.
When mother nature hits in the winter it packs a punch and having the proper visibility is essential to be safe when driving. Your vehicle’s wiper blades are important to make sure you can see no matter how difficult the snow and ice are so ensure your wiper blades are in good shape and can clear the windshield in even the heaviest loads.
With good care comes good performance and that matters most when it comes to gas mileage. Ensuring that your car is in tip-top running order you have a better chance of getting the best mileage for your fuel dollar. Cars take longer to warm up and reach their optimal working temp in the winter so giving them the best chance with regular maintenance is your best bet to keep the fuel bills under control.
