If you live in the Lafayette, Indiana area, then it’s important to make sure your car is ready for the cold weather before you hit the road. Taking your vehicle to an auto repair shop for a quick check-up is one of the best ways to ensure that your car is running as it should.
From checking the battery to topping up fluids, having your car serviced is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep it running safely and smoothly during the colder months.
In this blog post, our professionals here at Beck’s Auto Center want to discuss why you should get your car serviced before this winter starts getting too cold!
Get an oil change
When preparing your car for the cold weather season, getting an oil change is one of the most important things you can do. Oil thins as it gets colder, and in extreme temperatures, it can congeal or fail to properly lubricate your engine.
To prevent this from happening, make sure you get your oil changed at least once a year before the cold weather season. This ensures that your engine has the necessary lubrication to prevent it from seizing up in cold temperatures.
Additionally, if you drive in particularly harsh conditions, such as in hilly or mountainous terrain, it is recommended that you change your oil more frequently.
Be sure to use an oil specifically formulated for cold weather use.
Check your battery
One of the most important parts of your vehicle that you should check before driving in the cold is your battery. Cold weather can cause a decrease in the performance of your battery, and the last thing you want is for it to fail while you are out on the road.
To ensure that your battery is up to the task, you should get it tested by a professional. This will allow them to determine its condition and whether or not it needs to be replaced. It is also important to make sure that all connections are tight and corrosion-free.
In addition, make sure that your charging system is working correctly. If there are any issues with the alternator, the battery will not be able to hold a charge, which can cause it to fail when you need it the most.
Finally, keep an eye on your battery’s voltage levels. If they are dropping, this could indicate a problem that needs to be addressed before driving in the cold.
By following these steps, you can help make sure that your battery is prepared for the cold weather and ready for whatever may come your way.
Inspect your tires
Before heading out on a cold winter drive, you should check your tire pressure and tread depth. Make sure that all four of your tires are at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure level for winter driving. Cold temperatures cause your tire pressure to drop, so check regularly with a tire pressure gauge and make sure the pressure is correct for winter temperatures.
Checking your tire’s tread depth is crucial. This can be done by using a penny or a quarter—if you can see the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head on a penny, or the top of George Washington’s head on a quarter, your tires are dangerously worn and you need new ones. Poor tread depth causes poor traction, which can be dangerous in cold winter conditions.
A good tire rotation interval for vehicles is about every 5,000-7,500 miles. This preserves the life and durability of the tires. If you find that one of your tires needs replacing, then it’s important to replace all four tires at once so that they all have the same tread depth and wear pattern.
By following these simple tips, you can make sure that your tires are in good shape for winter driving conditions.
Check your antifreeze levels
In cold weather, it’s important to check your car’s antifreeze levels. Antifreeze helps protect the engine from freezing and helps maintain the car’s overall temperature.
If your antifreeze levels are low, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that they are maintained and your car runs smoothly in the cold. First, check your car’s owner manual to determine the type of antifreeze your vehicle needs. Once you know the type, you can go to any auto store and purchase a pre-mixed antifreeze.
Once you have the pre-mixed antifreeze, it’s time to get under the hood. Make sure your engine is off and that you’re wearing protective gloves before beginning. The most common way to check your antifreeze levels is to use an antifreeze tester. Insert the tester into the coolant overflow reservoir, and then follow the directions on the tester to get an accurate reading.
If your antifreeze levels are below what is recommended for your vehicle, add antifreeze until it reaches the necessary level.
The winter season is upon us
What are you waiting for? Even though the holiday season is over, we still have January through March left to deal with winter weather. As any Indiana resident would know, these can be some of the more heavy-hitting months.
Start now, start today and plan ahead so you can avoid as many vehicle inconveniences as possible this winter!
Contact our professionals at 765-447-9459 or visit our website here to schedule an appointment at Beck’s Auto Center.