Winter Maintenance Tips

 

Winter Maintenance Tips

Winter car maintenance can be a lifesaver in certain conditions. A car breakdown in winter can be a bad experience which can be avoided by timely winter maintenance of your car. Here are some winter maintenance tips that will make your car fit for the harsh winter ahead.

Lights

During the winter season, days are shorter and not as bright. You will be required to use lights more often when driving in winter. You need to ensure that all the lights of the car are in working condition like headlights, brake lights, turn indicators and fog lights. You need to change any bulbs that are not working. Check the illumination of the headlight. If the headlight is cloudy, yellow or hazy, use a headlight restoration kit to clean them. If that doesn’t work for you, get the headlights replaced.

Wiper Blades and Windshield Wiper Fluid

When you are driving your car, you need to see out of the windshield. During winter, you need the wiper blades in good condition to clear snow and ice buildup on the windshield. You need to check the wiper blades for cracks and any signs of deterioration. Use the wiper blades to see if they can clear the windshield effectively and do not miss large expanses of the windshield. You also need to ensure the windshield fluid reservoir has adequate wiper fluid. This is important as you will need the wiper fluid to clean the windshield often during the winter season.

Tires

All-season tires are unsuitable for the winter season. The tread rubber of all-season tires hardens at colder temperatures and the tires do not have any traction on icy, snow-laden roads. According to tire experts, your car needs winter tires if you live in an area with subzero temperatures. The winter tire is specifically designed for colder temperatures. It is narrower and can wade through snow.

Air Pressure in Tires

Car manufacturers recommend 3-5 psi higher air pressure than recommended in the winter season. Under inflated tires lead to an increased rolling resistance that causes premature wear of treads. This means you will be required to replace tires earlier, which is an unnecessary expense. Make sure that all tires have the right air pressure during the winter season.

Motor Oil

Motor oil protects the engine components from friction and overheating. According to auto experts, the viscosity of the motor oil is an important factor. If the motor oil is too thin, it will not provide adequate protection from friction and cause overheating. If the motor oil is thick, it will not flow easily and cause starting problems. According to car manufacturers, you should use low viscosity oil during winter for optimum engine performance and protection.

Coolant

The coolant protects the engine in cold weather by preventing it from freezing. According to auto experts, you should ensure the coolant level is maintained in the radiator. You can use a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze compound and water in the radiator.

Following these winter maintenance tips will reduce the chances of a breakdown and you will feel safer when driving in the winter season. Winter is hard on your car and timely maintenance will make your car fit for winter driving.