It’s no question that winter weather presents many challenges for your vehicle. As the temperature continues to drop, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to stay safe during inclement weather conditions.
Regular maintenance
It’s easy to neglect basic car maintenance, especially when your car seems to be functioning normally. Winter is the time to get your car up to speed on its regular maintenance. The easiest thing you can do to prepare your car for winter is check your fluid levels.
Be sure to have the correct mixture of antifreeze and water to prevent fluid from freezing in your radiator. Either consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for information or visit our professionals to make sure it’s done correctly. Keep your vehicle stocked with freeze-resistant wiper fluid to keep your windshield clean and vision clear while driving.
It’s also important to check all belts, hoses, and spark plugs to ensure everything is in shape and functioning properly to prevent a breakdown during harsh weather.
Inspect your tires
Low air pressure and worn tires are dangerous on wet or slick roads. Both can reduce traction and make it harder to maintain control in harsh driving conditions. Regularly inspecting your tires and monitoring your tire pressure can make a huge difference. If you’re not sure what pressure to keep your tires at, check your owner’s manual for the recommended PSI.
Since we live in Michigan, investing in winter tires could make all the difference. Winter tires increase your traction and will help improve your safety on the road.
Protect the interior
Grab a couple of all-weather floor mats to keep the inside of your vehicle clean and protected against the elements. All-weather floor mats are easy to clean and keep things like snow and muck in one place. Keeping your windows clean will improve visibility and reduce the likelihood of steamy, smudgy windows while driving.
Battery capacity
Since battery capacity is reduced in cold weather, it’s a good idea to complete a thorough inspection of your battery, cables, terminals, and fluid before spending too much time out on the road. Battery cables should be free of any cracks or breaks. The terminals should fit snugly without any loose connections.
While you’re inspecting your battery, look around for the manufacture date. Knowing how old your battery is will give you an idea of when it might begin to lose charge.
Keep your car stocked
There’s no predicting what weather you’re going to run into while driving. Be prepared for the worse by stocking your car with items that will be helpful and improve safety if you happen to get stranded on the side of the road.
Consider including these items:
Blanket, gloves, and a hat
Flashlight
Small shovel
Ice scraper
Jumper cables
Snacks
A bag of kitty litter or sand if you get stuck in the snow
If you’re seeking help with any of the above, don’t hesitate to contact us. At AA Muffler & Brakes we provide professional service, with quality parts, all at the guaranteed lowest prices. A little preparation can go a long way to keep your car running smoothly during the winter months.