How To Get Your Vehicle Ready For Winter Travel
Winter is fast approaching; however, it should not keep you from your travels with your friends and family. Regular auto maintenance is the key to a vehicle’s proper performance. All you need to do is make sure your car is in good working condition for your winter travel.
Before you do any service to your vehicle, always go through your owner’s manual guide first and monitor the schedules. Now without further ado, let’s look at some of the best services you need to do for your car this winter.
1. Ensure Auto Oil Change
Among many, one leading auto service you need to include is an oil change. Check if the oil has the right viscosity.
During this time of the year, the oil gets colder and thickens. If this happens, it will not keep your engine properly lubricated and clog up the whole engine.
Depending on the weather and temperatures, ensure which oil to use to make sure your car runs smoothly. Go through your owner’s manual guide to know which oil is best to use in which weather conditions.
2. Replace Old Windshield Wiper Blades
Windshield wiper blades usually work efficiently for a year. Hence, you need to check if your vehicle requires some new blades.
For harsh weather conditions, you should buy rubber-clad wiper blades for winter. It prevents the ice from building up.
Keep in mind that your windshield water reservoir is full of windshield washer solvent before starting your winter road trip. Plain water does not work in cold weather as it quickly freezes.
Additionally, ensure that your defroster and heater works properly as it helps keep the windshield clear.
3. Check Your Battery
Ensure that the posts and cable connections of your battery are free of corrosion and have sufficient water. If needed, retighten all the cable connections and make sure all surfaces are clean.
Go through your owner’s manual guide before performing routine care. Always be sure to wear rubber gloves and eye protection while checking your battery. Make sure to prevent from touching the battery acid and corrosive deposits.
4. Inspect Your Tire Pressure
To have the best traction control, you must ensure your tires are properly inflated. Keep in mind that traction often fails when driving in ice and snow.
You need to examine the sidewalls and make sure there are no nicks and cuts. Also, always have a spare tire and ensure it has air in it.
If your tires are under-inflated, your car engine tends to work harder and ends up using excess oil or gasoline.
You can always consider getting snow tires for your car as they provide additional traction.
5. Get Your Existing Engine Problems Checked
Existing car problems deteriorate in cold weather. To avoid such cases, you need to get your vehicle’s driveability issues and engine performance checked.
Get your car problems corrected at a reliable repair shop such as Crown City Tire Auto Care – the Pasadena auto repair shop that hires professional mechanics.
6. Check The Cooling System
You should flush and refill the cooling system. Check the concentration and condition of the coolant occasionally.
As recommended, make sure there is a 50/50 mix of coolant or antifreeze and water in your radiator. It prevents the freezing of the mixture even when the temperature is extremely cold.
You can get a coolant tester from any auto parts shop and check the condition of the mixture. You must drain and refill your cooling system if the mixture’s concentration is off.
7. Examine The Exhaust System
Vehicle exhaust fumes can be toxic. Therefore, having your exhaust system checked regularly is a must. Ensure there are no leaks and that the floorboards and trunk do not have small holes in it.
Carry An Emergency Kit
Weather conditions are unpredictable, so you always need to prepare and carry an emergency kit in your trunk.
Your kit should include:
- Extra warm clothes
- Extra blankets, gloves, and boots
- Flares
- Additional food and water (including energy bars)
- First-aid kit
- A flashlight and a small shovel
- Tire chains
- Tire gauge
- A tool kit
- Spare tire, batteries, and car charger
- A cell phone
- A bag of kitty litter or sand to provide traction
Also, ensure that your gas tank is full to avoid the fuel lines to freeze.
9. What To Do If Your Car Gets Stranded ?
First and foremost, you should avoid traveling during a snow storm. However, if you get caught in a blizzard, stay inside your car if you are unsure about your location.
Light flares or turn on your hazard lights to call attention and hang a bright-colored material on your car antenna.
Use blankets to keep yourself warm. It is also advisable that you do minor movements such as changing positions and clapping your hands to prevent hypothermia.
While waiting for help, run the heater for 10 minutes every hour. However, be sure to leave a window slightly open for ventilation and prevent the snow from sealing your car shut.
10. Get Your Car Serviced At A Trustworthy Auto Care Shop
Visit a trusted auto care shop and get your vehicle checked before starting your winter road trip. Find a shop that is near your locality as it will be more convenient for you.
If you live around the Pasadena locality, you can pay a visit to Crown City Tire Auto Care. Started in the year 1923, it is one of the most reliable Pasadena auto repair shops you will ever come across.
Crown City Tire Auto Care provides standard maintenance and offers a wide range of tire and automotive services as well. They also take care of other auto repair services like engine diagnostic and repair, oil change, wheel alignment, and many more.
Their team of dedicated experts works to cater to your vehicle’s specific needs. They make sure you have a smooth-running car in no time at a fair value.
Make your appointment today by calling (626) 461-9165, and get your vehicle serviced with our team.
