Winter is quickly approaching and before you know it, you’ll soon need to drive in the snow or frozen roads. The condition of your car is very important during winter and so we’d like to make sure that you’re ready before it happens. Although winter brings many joys to people, driving is not one of them. As a car owner, you must get your car ready to face the winter. Otherwise, you are bound to face many winter-specific issues. In today’s blog post, you will find remarkably useful tips to make your car winter-ready.
Changing the Oil Type
Changing the oil is something that you should do when required as part of the automotive maintenance, but it takes top importance in winter. You will have to change the type of oil you use. In summer, thicker oils are usually considered good. However, your car will need thinner oil in winter. You can check the recommended oil viscosity for winters in your car manual. You can also visit a local auto shop to get a better idea of which oil works better in your local climate.
Checking the Battery
After changing the oil type, it is time to check on your car’s battery. In winter, cars require extra current from the battery to start. Therefore, you need to make sure that your car’s battery is working to its capacity. An easy way to check this is to turn on your car’s headlights before starting the engine. Now, turn on the engine and see if there is any visible difference in the headlight’s intensity. If you notice any difference, then it is wise to get your battery checked by a certified auto shop. A voltmeter comes in handy if you are trying to check the voltage at home.
Replacing the washer fluid and windshield wipers
Regular washer fluids do not work efficiently in winters. Instead, your car needs a special washer fluid with an antifreeze solution. Besides, the windshield wipers also need some checking, normally, these are replaced at least once a year. If you are living in a very harsh climate, then you must replace the washer fluid immediately to avoid any untoward incident.
Check the tires
Snow tires with studs are a good upgrade for your car if you live in a state that receives heavy snowfall. Otherwise, just make sure that your tires are not completely worn out. This is to ensure that there is sufficient friction between your tire and the road’s surface, which ultimately helps the car to stop quickly without slipping. You can always refer to the owner’s manual to know what is a suitable tire for your car. If you are still confused, it is a good idea to visit a local automotive repair shop and get a professional opinion.
Checking the defroster and heater
In many states, the temperature remains regularly below zero. In such extreme conditions, a properly functioning defroster and heater are necessary. One must also ensure that there are no air leakages around doors or windows, which might be bringing some extra moisture into the car. This tip might save you some money on a defroster repair.
Conclusion
So, these were some basic tips to give you a head start in making your car ready for winter. We hope you will find these tips helpful. Remember, Davis Paint & Collision Auto Center is here to provide professional service for your vehicle. Give us a call today to schedule your consultation at any one of our 3 locations. For Oklahoma City location, call 405.733.9797, South Oklahoma City location: 405.691.1820, and Midwest City location: 405.732.0762.
