10 Essential Tips for Winter Car Maintenance

Posted on December 30, 2022 by autorepair

Winter can be tough on your car, and if you’re not prepared for the cold weather and icy roads, it could end up costing you a lot of money. But with some basic winter car maintenance tips, you can keep your car running smoothly all season long. From changing your oil to checking tire pressure, here are 10 essential tips that will help keep your vehicle in top shape during the colder months.

By following these simple steps every few weeks or so throughout the winter season, you can ensure that your car is ready to take on whatever Mother Nature throws at it!

For Winter Car Maintenance in Indianapolis, Call 317-475-1846 Today!

Top 10 Tips for Winter Car Care

1. Change Your Oil: It’s important to maintain consistent oil changes throughout the year, but especially during winter. The cold temperatures can cause your engine oil to thicken, which can make it harder for it to flow and do its job of keeping your car running smoothly. Make sure you keep up with regular oil changes and check your oil levels often.

2. Check Tire Pressure: Cold temperatures can cause air pressure to decrease in your tires, making them more susceptible to wear and tear. Make sure you check your tire pressure regularly and fill it up if necessary so you don’t end up with flat tires or worse – a blowout!

3. Replace Wiper Blades: The snow, ice and salt on the roads in winter can lead to a buildup of grime and dirt on your car’s windshield. This can make it harder for you to see when driving, so be sure to replace your wiper blades with ones designed specifically for winter weather.

4. Keep Your Battery Charged: Cold temperatures can also cause car batteries to lose charge, so be sure to check it often and keep your battery charged.

5. Add Antifreeze: Make sure you add antifreeze to your car’s radiator regularly to help keep the engine from freezing during colder weather.

6. Check Brakes: Winter roads can be slick and icy, so it’s essential that you check your car’s brakes regularly to make sure they are in good working order.

7. Check Tire Tread: Replacing worn-out tires is important all year round, but particularly during winter when the roads may be slicker than usual. Make sure to check your tire tread every few weeks or so and replace them as needed.

8. Clean Undercarriage: Snow, ice, salt and dirt can build up on the undercarriage of your car during winter. This can cause rust and corrosion over time, so it’s important to clean underneath your car regularly to prevent damage.

9. Check Lights and Signals: Driving in winter can be especially difficult if you’re not able to see the road clearly or signal when necessary. Make sure your headlights, brake lights and turn signals are all working properly before hitting the roads this season.

10. Test Your Heater: A functioning heater is essential during winter, so make sure to check it before the weather turns too cold. It’s also a good idea to bring a car blanket in case your car’s heater isn’t working properly.

Trust Your Local Indianapolis Mechanic For Car Maintenance This Winter

By following these essential tips for winter car maintenance, you can help protect yourself and your car this season. And if you encounter any car problems, make sure to contact a qualified Indianapolis auto mechanic right away. Taking these extra steps now will keep your car running smoothly and prevent costly repairs down the line.

Are you ready to book your winter automotive service with a dependable Indianapolis mechanic? Contact Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for ASE licensed and trained factory scheduled maintenance and car inspections in Indianapolis, Indiana. We work on all make and model vehicles!

Winter Preventative Maintenance Tips for Cars and Trucks

Posted on November 18, 2022 by autorepair

With a few snowfalls under our belts this year already, it is safe to say that now is the right time to prepare your cars and trucks for the upcoming climate. Snow, ice, salt, rain, and slush can all be damaging to your ride if you do not implement the proper preventative maintenance. Furthermore, colder temperatures innately impact the efficiency and performance of automobiles.

Continue reading to learn the best way to winterize your car or truck before the peak of the winter season is upon us, plus where to go for the best automotive service in Indianapolis.

Call 317-475-1846 For Winter Auto Service in Indianapolis!

Car Care For Winter

Winter is almost here, and while your car may feel the chill more than you do, it’s important to take extra care of your vehicle to ensure winter doesn’t take a toll on its health. From checking your antifreeze levels to inspecting your battery, there are several things that drivers need to consider when preparing their cars and trucks for the colder months.

The most important part of winterizing your vehicle is ensuring it’s ready to tackle any weather conditions that may come its way. Make sure your antifreeze levels are full and check to ensure there are no leaks. It’s also a good idea to check the battery, as cold temperatures can reduce its effectiveness. Make sure to have the battery tested and, if necessary, replaced to avoid any issues with starting in freezing temperatures.

Your car’s tires are also essential for a safe drive during winter conditions. Check your tire pressure regularly and make sure you have enough tread on each tire for maximum grip on snow and ice-covered surfaces. Also, if your tires are low on tread, consider investing in winter tires to improve your vehicle’s ability to grip the road during inclement weather.

Finally, inspect your lights and wipers. Lights are essential for night driving visibility, so make sure all of yours—headlights, taillights, indicators, and fog lights—are functioning and bright. Wipers are also a must-have for winter since rain, sleet and snow can obscure your vision. Check your wipers to make sure they don’t streak or leave streaks on the glass and replace them if necessary.

Winter Automotive Maintenance Advice

Winter is a harsh season for your car or truck. With snow, ice, and cold temperatures all working against it, you need to make sure your vehicle is prepared for the next few months with preventative maintenance. Here’s what the ASE-licensed mechanics at Northeast Auto recommend you do to get ready:

▷ Check Your Tire Treads and Pressure – Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have enough tread to provide sufficient traction. You may also want to consider using winter tires for the snowy months.

▷ Check Your Battery – Cold temperatures can cause your car’s battery to drain more quickly, so make sure you check it before the temperatures start dropping.

▷ Change Your Oil – Changing your oil is essential to ensuring the longevity of your engine. Depending on how many miles you’ve driven since your last oil change, it’s a good idea to get this done before winter rolls in.

▷ Top Off Fluids – Check all of the other fluids in your car, including antifreeze and windshield washer fluid. Make sure they’re all full and winterized for the season.

▷ Check Your Brakes – If you hear any grinding or squeaking, then it’s likely that you need to have your brakes serviced before winter sets in.

▷ Get a Tune Up – Have your car tuned up by a professional mechanic to make sure everything is running correctly. This will help your car run better, more efficiently, and last longer in the cold weather months.

▷ Stock Up on Roadside Emergency Supplies – With the dangerous road conditions and freezing temperatures at play, be sure your car is stocked with the proper roadside emergency supplies and car tools, such as jumper cables, spare tire, windshield wiper brush, thermal blanket, road triangles, reflective vests, water bottles, reserve fuel, and more.

By following these winter preventative maintenance tips, you can help ensure that your car or truck is ready to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it this winter. Keep your vehicle safe and sound by preparing ahead of time.

Could your car or truck use some professional winter automotive service? Contact Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for ASE-licensed car maintenance in Indianapolis, Indiana at a price you can afford. We service all make and model vehicles. Also, be sure to check out our automotive service coupons!

How to Ensure Good Driving Visibility in the Winter

Posted on January 26, 2021 by autorepair

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

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.