Maintaining your vehicle properly will ensure that it continues running without issue. While this is important all year long, it is even more important to regularly maintain the vehicle in cold weather. When winter approaches, it brings along with it a number of unique challenges for vehicle owners. However, with proper maintenance, you can avoid any serious issues or getting stranded on the side of the road. Due to the increased amount of night time during this time of year, you will need to get led headlights plug n play to increase the illumination of your vehicle.
Winter weather vehicle maintenance should include the following services.
Checking the Antifreeze
You can use a refractometer or antifreeze tester to obtain a few drops of the antifreeze from your vehicle’s radiator or the overflow. Doing this will give you information regarding the freezing point of your vehicle’s antifreeze. Be sure that you know the average lowest temperature for your area and then add additional antifreeze if needed to ensure that your engine block does not become frozen.
Check Your Tires
You can use the old penny test, or use a more exact method of checking the tread on your tires. This would be to grab a ruler and then check the depth of the treat that is still on your vehicle’s tires. If you are going to be driving in snow, then you need to be sure that you have a minimum tread of 6/32 of an inch. If you are going to be driving on a wet road, then you need to have a minimum treat of 4/32 of an inch. Be sure that you check all of the tires, since the tires will not always wear evenly. You also need to check the pressure in your tires to ensure that the inflation reflects the vehicle manufacturer recommendations.
Maintain Your Visibility
You need to check the wiper for any signs of wear or cracking. Be sure to replace blades that are damaged with either all-season wiper blades or winter blades. You also need to fill the wiper fluid compartment with fluid that has anti-freezing features. You should never use plain water for this when driving in the winter since it can freeze on your windshield and reduce your visibility.
Check Your Vehicles Oil
You should check the oil in your vehicle for any type of particulate matter. If the oil appears to be extremely dark or thick, then you should change the oil. Be sure that you use the viscosity of oil that is recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle for operating in cold weather.
Check the Battery
You need to look at the date stamp that is on your vehicle’s battery and then consider replacing it if it is over three years old. When you are looking at the battery, you should also clean the metal connectors in order to ensure that the cables are making adequate contact with the actual battery terminals.
When you take the time to prepare your vehicle for cold weather, you will be able to avoid any serious issues or breakdowns during the winter months. Using the tips here will help you keep your car winter-ready.