Make Sure Your Car Is Ready for Winter

Men are not the only ones who like cars, and they are certainly not the only ones who can keep them in good shape. With that in mind, as the winter is coming, your car might need a few preparations in order to keep running smoothly throughout the season. So, here are a few things you should pay attention to in order to ensure that your car is ready for winter.

Change the oil.

One of the first things you should do is change the oil. The oil you use should be the right thickness for this time of the year. This is because oil tends to thicken in colder temperatures, and if it gets too thick, your engine won’t work as well as it could. So, make sure to use the right kind of oil, and your engine should run as smoothly as ever.

Light it up.

Winter usually means shorter days and darker nights, which is why you should make sure that you can actually see where you’re going. So, check whether your headlights and taillights are working properly. You can also improve their brightness by applying a bit of wax on them. Just don’t forget to wash them first, so as to prevent any residue on the surface. Plus, this will protect your lights from ice, which can dim the light as well.

Look at your windshield.

When it comes to vision, another thing you should keep in mind is your windshield wiper blades. Their lifespan is usually about one year, after which they should be replaced. Also, fill your windshield washer reservoir with actual windshield washer fluid, because water simply can’t do the trick during winter. Moreover, check whether your heater and defroster are working properly, so your windshield stays clean and clear. Finally, if your windshield is cracked or chipped, there are many car experts offering windshield chip repair services. So, fix your windshield as soon as you can so it doesn’t impair your vision in winter.

Check your battery.

This is the perfect time to check your car battery and ensure that all the connections are free of corrosion. If your battery is a bit older, though, have it tested by certified experts. It needs to be able to hold a charge so you don’t have to learn how to jump start your car in the freezing weather. Unfortunately, it’s very common for batteries to die during winter, so you want to reduce the chances of that happening to you.

Examine your belts and hoses.

Cold weather can damage your belts and hoses, which is why you should check them from time to time. They should usually be replaced every three to four years. However, even if you drive a new, modern car, extremely cold weather can still affect them. So, if you notice any sign of wear and tear on your belts and hoses, don’t wait too long to replace them.

Check your tire pressure.

Your tires need to be properly inflated so you can have the best possible traction. Traction is extremely important when the roads are wet, snowy, or icy. The air pressure in your tires drops as the temperatures get lower, which is why you should get it checked before the real winter hits. Some cars have an alarm that warns the owner when the pressure gets too low, but if your car doesn’t, again, get the pressure checked. Of course, you should first find out what your target pressure should be. You can find this information in your owner’s manual, or you can ask car experts.

Consider getting winter tires.

Not every car needs winter tires, as it mostly depends on where you live and how much snow you get. Winter tires work great in snowy and icy conditions, but they can also cost you quite a bit. In short, if you don’t get much snow during winter, you should be fine with the typical “all-season” tires. However, if you live in an area with heavy snowfall, investing in winter tires would definitely pay off.

Make your own winter survival kit.

Last but not least, you should stock your car with emergency supplies. After all, you never know when you might get stranded due to bad weather. Having such a survival kit in your car can make a huge difference, especially during winter. So, based on how much free room you have in your car, you should build your own survival kit. This way, even if you do get stranded, you’ll be able to wait out until the help arrives.

Winter is just around the corner, so make sure your car is up to the challenge. By taking all the above-mentioned precautions, you will not only prevent any potential issues, but you will also learn more about your car so that you can prepare it even better the next winter.