Winter is coming, and that makes every car owner have goosebumps. It would help if you took precautions to ensure that your car will work and survive through this time of the year. Some car owners are lucky to be living in considerably hot areas of the country, while others feel the cold breath of winter even in October.
Although it is already the first week of winter, you still have plenty of time to follow the tips below to take care of your car.
1. Remember to Check Your Oil
The level of oil is essential for every car to function smoothly. First, you need to warm up your vehicle entirely. The reason to do this is that a cold car can automatically show that it is low in oil while it isn’t. After that, check how much oil is left. It shouldn’t be too much or too little. If your oil is not enough, it can cause engine breakage or overall car malfunction. Temperature can also make your motor oil condense. Hence, by checking your oil, you also prevent the motor from doing unnecessary work.
2. Have a Pre-Winter Battery Check
No battery, no car. Your battery may work fine in autumn but refuse to jump-start in winter. To avoid unpleasant situations, such as being stuck or stranded in the middle of nowhere, make sure to perform a volt test. It will either show you that everything is okay and you are good to go or make minor issues with your battery surface. Also, remember to check for corrosion spots to be on the safe side. If you learn that your battery isn’t running well, try to get a new one as soon as you can.
3. Protect Your Car
Having a car cover should become the number one priority for those who leave their cars outside. First of all, have your vehicle covered in polymer wax, which can protect the car from salt, snow, and all the possible hazardous things on the road. Second, get an excellent waterproof car cover for your baby. It will keep all the parts of the vehicle protected not only from precipitation but also from animals from nearby woods. They can approach the car to get some heat and eventually scratch it. The car cover would also protect the paint, which means less additional expenses for you.
4. Prepare Your Tires
Your preparation should be a weekly event when you first check tire pressure. Pressure can lower in cold temperatures, which can cause the tires to deflate. Also, remember that the lower the pressure is, the less your gas mileage will be, which can lead to tires being worn out faster. You can either have a mechanic check your tires and bring the pressure to the necessary level, or you can do it yourself (if you know how) using a free air pump. You can ask for one at a nearby car shop or gas station. Finally, consider getting winter tires that would prevent skidding and ensure your safety.
Also Read: Outfitting Your Car For A Long Road Trip