Getting Your Car Ready for Colder Weather

Wondering what to do to your car before the winter season? Particularly if you’re planning to leave California for any cold-climate road trips, you’ll want to ensure your vehicle is well prepared.

Below, we provide some helpful tips on getting your car ready for colder weather:

• Keep an eye on the battery: Cold weather can negatively affect your battery, so be sure to check the charge before going anywhere. You can do so by turning on the headlights before starting the engine. Then turn on the engine, and check if the headlights get brighter; if so, there could be an issue with your battery. You could also invest in a portable automobile battery tester or bring your car to a nearby auto parts store. Many auto parts stores will test your battery for free.
• Take care of repairs: It’s never a good idea to put off automobile repairs. This is especially true in the winter, as no one wants to be stuck on the side of the road on a cold day. Taking care of small repairs early can prevent larger issues down the line, so be sure to bring your car to a reputable, local auto shop at the first sign of a problem—don’t just keep driving with that check engine light on.
• Check the tires: Good tire tread is especially important in the winter. While California doesn’t see much snow in the winter, icy roads are sometimes a possibility. Be sure to check the tread on your tires before the temperatures get too cold. You can do so by doing the classic penny test. Simply stick a penny between the tread of your tires. If you can see all of President Lincoln’s head, it’s time to invest in new tires.
• Pack an emergency supply kit: There are certain supplies you’ll want to keep in your car during winter. For example, keep blankets and extra coats in the car in case you end up stuck on the side of the road on a cold night. Be sure to also keep a first aid kit, jumper cables and tire-changing supplies in your vehicle at all times.
• Make sure your heater and defroster work: Nothing’s worse than driving on a cold morning without any heat, and it’s dangerous to drive in winter without a working defroster. Have a local mechanic check your heater and defroster before it gets cold enough to cause frost on your windshield.
• Keep gas in the tank: Letting your gas tank get too low is bad for your vehicle. In winter, cold weather can cause a buildup of condensation in a low gas tank. This condensation could end up in the fuel lines and then freeze. Keep this from happening to your vehicle by simply keeping the gas tank at least a quarter full.

Avoid issues with your car this winter by preparing it for colder temperatures. Use the tips mentioned above to help get your car ready for colder weather and ensure it runs smoothly. If you experience any problems with your vehicle, be sure to bring it to an auto shop right away.

At Tom’s Body and Paint, Inc., we offer the best automotive services at fair prices. Bring your vehicle in today for a tune-up, oil change or any other type of service.

Categorised in: Auto Body Shop

This post was written by Writer