When the cold months roll around, automobile maintenance becomes even more important than it is during the summer months. Cold weather is rough on the engine with cold starts, and salts can eat away at the metal on your car. If you live in a cold climate then you need to know how to maintain your car in winter time. Where should you start to make sure that an auto is protected from the coming cold?
Frozen hoses can do a lot of damage to your vehicle. Making sure that your antifreeze level is correct and that the mixture is ideal for the climate where you live is a very specific maintenance item that you need to take care of. If you do not feel comfortable checking it yourself you can often have it checked at your local service station.
Tires have to do a lot more work in the cold months and if you want them to do their job then they definitely need to have sufficient tread to grip the road. If you live in an area with a severe cold climate you may have to invest in snow tires. Be sure to check that all the tires have sufficient tire pressure as well.
Windshield wipers are a must to help you maintain visibility in blinding snowstorms. This may mean that you have to replace wiper blades that have worn out from use during the summer and fall. Windshield wipers are fairly easy to replace, just make sure that you purchase the correct size for the particular make and model.
Along with wipers, windshield wiper fluid is important to cut down on the dirt and grime that can accumulate on windshields during the coldest months. It is important to always use windshield wiper fluid in the reservoir since it will not freeze during the cold months.
Cleaning up your battery is another important task no matter what time of year it might be. Dirty posts can create a bad electrical connection that can result in the car not starting right up as it should. A battery post cleaning kit is fairly inexpensive and quite easy to use. Checking the battery posts about once a month is part of a good maintenance schedule.
Your brakes are your most important line of defense for stopping your car. A regular brake inspection is something that you should never shortchange yourself on. Rotors should be checked for wear and brake pads should have enough pad left to handle the sometimes sharp braking necessary during the cold months. Brake drums for the rear rakes may also need to be cleaned.
Changing you oil regularly is an important task whether it is winter or summer, but it becomes even more important in the winter because the engine works harder in the cold weather. By taking the proper steps to maintain your car in winter time you can ensure that your car will last you many winters into the future. May you enjoy happy and safe driving during the winter.
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