It’s that time of the year again where you have to brace yourself for the upcoming blast of cold winter air. A trusted Dodge dealership in El Paso, TX notes that this is also the time when it is most likely for vehicles to break down due to the sudden drop in temperature. So, it only makes sense to get your vehicles winter-ready to prevent any potential mechanical issues from stranding you in the middle of an icy road. Here are some simple ways to prepare your car from the blistering winter ahead.
Start Winterizing Your Car
While today’s vehicles are more equipped to handle extreme temperatures, it is still prudent to winterize your car when the weather turns cold. Start by taking your vehicle to a reputable auto shop and have them give your ride routine preventive maintenance. That means replacing old or worn engine parts, topping off your fluids, and giving your battery some much needed TLC.
Make Sure Your Tires Can Handle Winter Roads
It is no secret that wet and snowy roads can spell all kinds of disaster to unsuspecting drivers. For this reason, you need to ensure that your tires are up to standard. The first thing you need to do is to check your tire treads. You can get a professional to do this when you take your car for tire alignment and rotation. However, you can personally inspect your tire tread using a penny and sticking it on the tread. If you can see Lincoln’s head while the penny is stuck in the tread, then it is time to replace your tires.
Also, don’t forget to fill up your tires! Low air pressure on tires can significantly reduce traction, making it dangerous to drive on icy roads. You can also consider switching your standard tires with winter tires for that extra grip.
Lubricate Those Moveable Parts
Coldwater can seep through the cracks and cause considerable damage to your car. You need to invest in different lubricants to protect certain car parts from sticking, which will prevent it from properly doing its job. Soak it in some lithium grease for latches and hinges to ensure that the mechanism will work throughout the winter.
It would be best to use silicone spray to coat the stripping and prevent water from creeping in for the weather stripping. You can also use silicone spray on your window tracks to ensure that your car window will still open despite the cold weather. Also, consider spraying dry Teflon or a graphite lock lube on your car’s locks. After all, you’ll never know when those keyless entry fobs will fail you.
Don’t Forget to Pack an Emergency Winter Kit
It is always a good idea to include some seasonal items in your emergency kit. With winter, you might want to pack a blanket and thick clothing that will help keep you warm, a small shovel, ice scraper and brush, a flashlight, and some hearty snacks.
If you want to know more about preparing your car against the cold weather, check out Viva CDJRF for more helpful tips.
