The wintry weather is here, which can negatively affect some of your car’s components. Not to mention that snow and ice will make driving conditions a lot more difficult. But with a bit of planning and preparation, it’s possible to winterize your vehicle. It’s never too early to ensure your car is ready for the colder months. Follow our tips for getting your car winter-ready.
Switch to Snow Tires
It’s recommended to have your tires optimized for extreme weather conditions. Compared to their traditional all-season counterparts, snow tires are designed to provide maximum traction. It ensures excellent grip and safe braking distances on snow and slush-covered roads. Moreover, winter tires do not lose their elasticity in cold temperatures. That’s why having winter tires can make all the difference in your driving experience.
Don’t forget to do frequent checks on your tires and have a spare tire handy when traveling on icy roads.
Clean Your Car Windows
During the cold winter months, you may forget to give your car windows a good clean. But this task should be an important part of any car maintenance routine. You’re a danger to yourself and others when your windows are dirty. This could possibly lead to hazy vision, glare, and corrosion. Ice, debris, and salt residue can easily get onto your windows when it’s snowing outside. Removing all these buildups will help keep your vehicle in great condition.
To remove ice from the windshield and side windows, use an ice scraper that’s made of plastic. This won’t scratch the surface as long as you use light to medium pressure when scraping.
Check Your Windshield Wipers
Another important maintenance tip is to check your wiper blades. They have a big impact on your driving performance, especially during a snowy day. Check if your windshield wipers are in good working condition. With freezing temperatures, the rubber of your wiper blades becomes hard. It won’t be able to clean the windshield as cleanly as intended.
When you notice worn-out wiper blades, buy a new one immediately. Replacing wiper blades should be done as often as twice per year.
Keep Your Car Battery Charged
Battery trouble is one of the main causes of vehicle breakdowns. When the weather is a lot colder, the chemical reaction inside your battery slows down. That’s why car batteries drain faster in the winter season. Here are the most warning signs of battery failure:
- Car won’t start
- The engine is turning over more slowly
- The headlights are not turning on
- Start motor cranks more slowly
- There’s no response at the ignition
To avoid getting stuck somewhere with a dead battery, make sure it’s charged properly. A fully charged battery won’t freeze easily. Aside from giving it a charge, you may invest in a battery blanket. This will keep your battery warm and functioning properly even when it’s 0°F outside. Simply plug the blanket in, wrap it around your battery, and let it generate heat. This will prevent the car battery from freezing in cold weather.
Check Your Car’s Oil
Regardless of the season, you should always monitor your oil levels. Vehicles need oil as it lubricates the moving parts of your engine. When the oil level is too low, friction will increase and prevent the components from running smoothly. Cars may experience a breakdown or engine problem if it’s running low on oil.
During winter, don’t forget to check your engine oil levels and use the recommended oil type. Cold temperatures affect engine oil by making it denser than usual. It’s a good idea to check one’s oil from time to time to avoid potential issues. Doing so will help you ensure that the oil levels and color are correct.
Call Us for Your Towing Needs
By following our car maintenance tips, you can keep your mind at ease during this wintertime. If you need towing or emergency roadside assistance, Allentown Towing Company is always happy to help you. Our towing experts can get you back on the road no matter where you are.
We specialize in all kinds of towing services, from 24/7 towing to jump starts. With the help of our local towing company, you can get a tow quickly even during bad weather. Don’t hesitate to give us a call today for more details about our services.