As autumn gives way to winter, there are things you should do to make sure your vehicle operates successfully throughout the colder months. You also want to ensure that your car or truck can keep you and your family safe during a winter weather issue.
Inspect Your Vehicle’s Battery
Car batteries have a limited life and engines are more difficult to start in colder weather. Be sure to clean any corrosion from battery terminals, then, get your battery checked before the first cold morning leaves you needing a jump.
Check Your Tire Tread
Worn tires can prove dangerous in winter conditions. Tire traction decreases dramatically once your tires wear beyond 4/32-in. Worn tires can cause sliding and skidding; wet and icy conditions increase the chance of damage. Tire pressure is also important and should be checked regularly.
Change Out Oil and Antifreeze
Routine maintenance will help to prevent any problems during colder weather. An oil change will help your engine start up in chilly conditions. Antifreeze keeps your engine from freezing up. Without proper coolant, serious engine damage can occur.
Inspect Your Wiper Blades
Inspect wiper blades and switch to winter windshield wiper fluid. New or even winter-grade wiper blades can ensure you are able to see through any winter weather accumulating on the windshield. Be sure your washer fluid is a winter grade so that it doesn’t freeze up on the surface of the windshield. It is also important to check the fluid level often.
Prepare a Winter Supply Kit
Prepare a winter supply box to keep in your car. This is most important for personal safety in the event that your vehicle breaks down or gets stuck somewhere.
The box should contain:
- A flashlight (with fresh batteries)
- Road flares
- A first-aid kit
- Blankets
- Warm gloves and work gloves
- Change of clothes for the driver
- Extra warm socks
- A hat
- Ice scraper
- A bag of sand
- Ice melt
- Drinking water
- Fix-a-flat
- Jumper cables
- An additional power bank and cord to charge your phone
Get Your Vehicle Winter-Ready with Kwik Kar Services Near You
Routine maintenance such as an oil change with an oil filter replacement is vital to keep a car running well. Tire rotation and balancing, and wheel alignment will aid in road traction during slick conditions. Kwik Kar is your perfect Texas auto maintenance provider.
We believe in quality auto service at a fair price. Come by a convenient Texas Kwik Kar location for any or all of your vehicle winterization needs and we will maintain or repair your vehicle for you quickly and efficiently.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or simply stop on in for a tune-up!