Ah yes, Winter. The season that brings Thanksgiving and many holidays that bring joy to everyone. But with Winter comes colder temperatures, dangerous road conditions and maintenance for any vehicle owner. So how do you make sure that your vehicle is ready for the hazards that come along with the cooler temperatures? Well, we have found that there are a few things that anyone can do to keep their vehicles on the road this Winter. Down below, you will find the best tips we have found to make Winter just like any other season of the year.
Change Your Oil
One of the most important things that any vehicle owner can do for their car is changing the oil and this goes for any time of the year. Winter, however, brings a more intricate variable into the mix. The oil you use in your vehicle changes along with the weather, depending on the engine of your vehicle. Generally, a thicker oil will need to be used in the summer and a thinner oil will need to be used in the Winter. Thinner oil will flow throughout the engine much more efficiently in Winter conditions, keeping your engine running better and saving you money on gas!
Keep An Eye On Your Battery
When colder temperatures emerge, the engine will require more voltage to start. This is why it is crucial to make sure that your battery is efficiently holding a charge. This can be done with a trip to the local mechanic or by turning on your headlights before you start your engine, if the lights get brighter, chances are you might need a new battery. Voltmeters are also a great way to check how well your battery is holding a charge. While checking the battery, it would also be worthwhile to check your alternator.
Inspect Your Tires
In the Winter, checking your tires can mean multiple things from investing in a good set of Winter tires to simply making sure the tires you have now still have a decent amount of tread on them. One thing is for sure, you do not want bald tires when driving on icy roads, that’s a recipe for disaster! If you don’t invest in new Winter tires, make sure to check with your vehicle owner manual to see what the recommended tire pressure is for Winter. No matter how new your tires are, you may start to slide on ice but when this happens, make sure not to slam on the brakes! Simply let off the gas and turn it into the slide until it is corrected.
Don’t Let The Gas Tank Go Empty
We know that it’s a general rule of thumb not to let your gas tank go empty but during the Winter, letting your fuel level go low is one of the most dangerous things you can do to your vehicle. With more space in the fuel tank, the colder temperatures can lead to condensation forming in the tank. This condensation will flow to the bottom of the tank and form ice which will clog the fuel lines of your vehicle, making it so fuel can’t get to your engine, making your engine unable to start and even damaging your engine with tainted fuel.
Detail Your Vehicle
While this might not seem like one of the most crucial things to take care of before Winter strikes, a good detail will make driving in your vehicle a much more enjoyable experience and keep your vehicles paint protected from any of the salt or deicers that your city uses to get rid of the ice. A quality wax will keep your vehicle’s paint protected from anything a frosty road can throw your way.