Winter Weather Preparation
As the first breaths of winter begin to blow in, it can be easy to get lost in the warmth and joy you feel at home with your family: the comfy couch, the hot cocoa. But, the driving conditions drastically change as the world around you gets colder making it important to winterize your car.
The best way to handle the drastically different driving conditions you may face is by preparing your vehicle for them. You can do several things to make driving during in colder conditions as safe as possible. You should drive safely no matter the time of the year, so we’ve compiled a list of the most important things to check and change as you’re getting ready for driving during the winter.
Battery
As the temperature drops, battery power decreases. This means that starting your car in the will require more power. Checking the health and condition of your car battery is always important, but doing so as winter blows in could help you prevent your car from breaking down.
Checking Your Cooling System
While it might not be your first thought during winter, your cooling system is more than just a way to keep your engine cool. The right coolant blend contains anti-corrosive additives, water-pump lubricants, and, most importantly, anti-freeze materials that ensure it doesn’t freeze solid overnight. Ensuring your coolant has the right blend of antifreeze is integral to maintaining your car through the cold weather.
Tires
Tires are essential for maintaining control of your vehicle during winter conditions. However, they are one of the parts of your car most affected by the cold snap in the air. As the air gets colder, it can lower your tire pressure. Driving with the wrong tires at the wrong time is also a great way to lose control of your vehicle.
For areas that receive snowfall, you should consider switching to winter tires. While all-season tires can work, the best way to maintain control of your vehicle, even through ice and snow, is with winter tires. The rubber in all-season tires hardens in temperatures below freezing. This decreases its ability to grip the road. These specialized tires contain compounds that help the rubber remain soft, allowing for a better grip on the snow and ice you can find on the road. If you can’t make the switch, checking the pressure and treads of your tires before driving is vital.
Windshield
Visibility during winter can also be an issue many people face. Snow or ice can get stuck between the wiper blades and the windshield, causing them to fail to clear the glass and reducing your visibility. Your windshield wiper fluid could also freeze overnight. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help maintain your visibility, like installing heavier-duty winter wiper blades, or adding washer fluid antifreeze to ensure it doesn’t freeze over.
Preparing for winter is a necessary part of owning a vehicle. Taking steps like replacing tires or brakes now is integral to driving safely. However, many steps you may need to take might not be able to be done in your garage at home. That’s where Mission Auto Repair comes in!
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Mission Auto Repair has been helping people maintain and repair their vehicles for years. Our lead technician has over 25 years of experience, covering everything from in-depth diagnostics to factory-recommended maintenance. If you need help preparing your car for winter, look no further. Call our office today to make your appointment!