How to Ensure Good Driving Visibility in the Winter

This winter, you do not have to put up with poor visibility on the road due to inclement weather conditions. Prepare your vehicle for cloudy weather, dark evenings, harsh hail, thick snow, and much more, with these winter car care tips!

Indianapolis Car Maintenance and Repair 317-475-1846
Indianapolis Car Maintenance and Repair 317-475-1846

Car Care Tips for Improved Winter Visibility

Not only are the days shorter in the winter, requiring nighttime commutes much sooner in the evening than the rest of the year, but the season also brings about climate conditions that are not the best suited for safe driving. For these reasons, it is important to do your part by remaining an alert and responsible driver, and staying on top of your vehicle’s factory scheduled maintenance needs. This includes ensuring proper tire maintenance and pressure, practicing safe driving, servicing your car brakes, and even keeping a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle at all times.

More specifically to visibility, it is vital that you ensure your car or truck is equipped with well-functioning lights, windshield wipers, and automotive fluids.

Vehicle Lights

Since days are shorter, commuting in the dark happens sooner and more often in the winter. Even during the day, before the sun sets, skies can be very dark and dreary. All of these common winter conditions make for poor visibility on the road. Not only do you have more trouble seeing clearly on the road as you drive, but other cars are having trouble seeing your vehicle too.

To fully protect yourself, prepare your car by ensuring the lights and electrical systems are working properly. This includes headlights, taillights, turn signals, parking lights, hazard lights, and interior cabin lights. If your lights are not functioning properly, it is not recommended to drive at night until you have had them repaired by a licensed auto repair shop in Indianapolis.

Windshield Wipers and Fluid

Your windshield wipers are often overlooked for their importance. But in the winter especially, when precipitation is thick, fast, and unpredictable, they are more vital than ever for your safety. Before the worst of the winter is upon us, it is important to have your windshield wipers inspected and replaced as needed. Be sure to choose a quality brand and type of windshield wipers, for both your front windshield and your back window.

In addition to quality wipers, it is wise to keep an extra bottle of windshield wiper fluid in your vehicle at all times. Keep your fluid topped off so that you can easily wipe away unanticipated muddy snow splats by a passing semi truck. You can even learn how to make your own windshield wiper deicer! Also keep an ice scraper in your car so that you can clear your windshield in between stops.

Where to Get Trusted Car Maintenance in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional car maintenance and auto repair service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We have been helping Hoosiers repair and maintenance their vehicles for over 20 years, while offering affordable prices and reliable work. You can schedule an inspection and free estimate, anytime! We can even assist with tows! Don’t forget to mention one of our auto repair coupons or discounts to get the best deal in town.

Indianapolis Auto Repair Service
Indianapolis Auto Repair Service 317-475-1846

Why You Must Get Your Car Air Filters Changed This Year

Humans require clean, easy-to-breath air in order to live. And just like humans, vehicles also need to be able to “breathe” clean air in order to survive. While human lungs make it possible to breathe, a vehicle’s air filters do just the same. But after some time, air filters begin to accumulate mass amounts of dirt, debris, and other airborne particles, which eventually decreases their quality and function. For this reason, it is critical to have your vehicle’s engine and cabin air filters inspected and changed on a routine basis to promote safe and efficient driving.

Continue reading to learn more about the importance of routine automotive filter changes and where to schedule your factory scheduled car maintenance in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Car Maintenance
Indianapolis Car Maintenance and Repair 317-475-1846

Car Air Filters

Keep in mind that your car’s air filters are your first line of defense against irritating and obstructive airborne contaminants. But many drivers are guilty of overlooking this small but highly-necessary scheduled maintenance. Dirt, dust, pollen, mold spores, exhaust gases, bacteria, and more are examples of airborne contaminants that have the ability to negatively affect the quality and performance of your engine and vehicle as a whole.

The long list of airborne contaminants can have a powerful impact on your vehicle’s engine, and in a very negative way. Everything from pistons, cylinders, and cylinder walls, to piston rings and bearings, are just a few areas of a car engine that can begin to lose performance value from clogged or dirty air filters. Over time, neglecting to change air filters can lead to serious engine malfunctions and breakdowns, which means frustrating, costly repairs.

According to Community Car Care, there is a 1 in 5 chance that your car needs an air filter change right now! So, do it this year so your car runs great into 2022!

Cabin Air Filters

If you like to have clean, breathable interior air that smells good, you need to change your cabin air filters on a routine basis. Once cabin air filters start to become clogged, they begin to slowly lose their ability to do their job. So, once they are entirely clogged, you can suffer some mild but irritating consequences, such as musty smells, sore throat, coughing, itchy eyes, tightening of the chest, and more. Changing them regularly keeps the interior environment of your car fresh and easy to breath.

When to Put Air Filter Changes on Your Car Maintenance Schedule

Refer to your vehicle’s owners’ manual for the manufacturer recommendations on factory scheduled maintenance. The general rule of thumb is to have your air filters inspected and changed every time you take your car in for an oil change. In fact, it is often a part of oil change packages. This should be every 3,000 miles or so. Talk to your mechanic for professional advice.

Indianapolis Factory Scheduled Maintenance and Repair

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for factory scheduled maintenance and auto repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are ASE licensed and certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of foreign and domestic auto repair services, and specialize in major engine and transmission work. We also offer free estimates, automotive repair coupons, assistance with towing, and more. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service
Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846