The winter months are almost upon us, and that means cold temperatures, snow, ice, difficult driving and conditions that are very harsh on vehicles. Taking the right steps can make sure that your car keeps running strong throughout the winter months and defend against snow, sleet, freezing rain and sub-zero temperatures. Learn how to prepare a car for winter months, and how professional repair shops can help Brockton, Randolph and Stoughton drivers.
Keep a Supply Box Handy
No matter how prepared you are, the worst can always happen. Even if your car is running great, what if you run into a sudden squall that backs up traffic for days? Keep a supply box in your car full of things that can protect you if things go bad in the winter months. This box should include the following:
· Flares
· Flashlight
· First-aid kit
· Thermal blanket
· Warm clothes
· Gloves and hand/foot warmers
· Radio
· Batteries and small generator for charging electronics
· Bag of sand or cat litter
· Ice scraper
· High-energy, nonperishable snacks
· Small, wireless electric heater
Radiator and Antifreeze
Antifreeze is what keeps your car going in a very real way. It stops it from overheating in the summer, and it keeps it from freezing up in the winter. Make sure that your coolant levels are optimal. This is essential to making sure your engine runs at peak efficiency in the winter. Most auto supply stores will carry kits to check coolant levels. It never hurts to have one of these handy.
Tire Pressure and Tread
If you currently have summer or all-weather tires, think about changing them out for winter tires. In addition, make sure that your tire pressure is kept at optimal levels. Overfilling your tires can cause you to skid and lose control.
In addition, check the tread on your tires. The old-fashioned rule is that if you stick a penny into the tread, Lincoln’s head first, and you can see all of his head, it’s time to change the tires.
Winter Wiper Fluid
Most auto supply stores will carry specialized windshield wiper fluid for the winter months. This isn’t just a ploy to get you to spend more. Wiper fluid freezes immediately when it hits your cold glass windshield. Winter fluid has a much lower freezing point and can even include defrosting elements that can help to get rid of collecting snow and ice.
Winter Grade Oil
Many people fail to consider the usefulness of changing their oil blend in the winter. However, as the weather gets colder it can help to have a thinner oil running through your engine. While oil doesn’t exactly freeze, it gets thicker in cold weather and doesn’t flow as smoothly through the car. Switching to a winter-grade oil can help your car run much better.
Get a Checkup
Of course, taking your car in for a pre-winter checkup at the local repair shop is probably the best step you can take to prepare a car for winter. A repair shop will check all of the above things and get your car ship-shape for the colder months. If you live in the Randolph, Brockton or Stoughton areas, stop into Collision 24 for a checkup today!