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.
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!
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