Winter can be a dangerous time for driving, with road conditions wet and icy, and your engine must endure the freezing temperatures 24/7, meaning it needs to be in top condition to be able to start, especially after being outside overnight or not driven for some time. There are some things you can keep on top of car maintenance to ensure that your car doesn’t break down during the winter months. Below are some of the most important things to keep an eye on.
Car Battery
Cold and wet weather can put a lot of strain on your car’s battery, especially as it gets older. The freezing temperatures can make it harder for your car’s battery to turn over. It can also affect the amount of power the battery can give. In cold weather, the battery will be used more as we tend to blast our heaters to warm ourselves and the car up, therefore, if your engine is struggling to start, this is most likely your battery at fault. There are home battery tests you can get if you have experience with cars. Or, if you prefer, visit a local mechanic who’ll be able to advise if it’s time for a new battery before the winter months.
Tires
Having suitable and adequate tires is a big-must to ensure your car is roadworthy this winter. Ice and snow can make for dangerous road conditions and unsafe tires can lead to further accidents. There are specialized winter tires you can purchase if you know you are going to be driving often in snowy and icy conditions. If you don’t want to get a new set of tires, check they have at least the legal tread depth or more, as this can make it easier to drive in winter weather. Ensuring your tires are aligned can also improve driving and steering dramatically; check alignment cost Walmart for prices. Don’t put you or anyone else in danger and make sure your tires are ready for winter.
Antifreeze
In winter, this can be your car’s best friend. As it says on the tin, antifreeze stops the water in the car’s engine from freezing. This can be extremely helpful in looking after your car during the winter months and has several other benefits. Antifreeze can increase the boiling point of your engine coolant and, therefore, prevents the engine from overheating. It can also prevent internal scale in the engine from building up and it can protect your car’s engine from corrosion.
Keep yourself and others safe this winter and ensure your battery and tires have been checked and are ready for whatever winter has to offer. Ensuring your battery works through the freezing temperatures and your tires are legal and aligned can reduce the risk of accidents and can save you money in the long run. Remember, drive slowly and safely during icy and snowy conditions and always keep an eye on the antifreeze level in your car’s engine.
