Winter is coming! If you think that summer is a bad season to drive your car in because it is so hot, wait for your first snowy winter with your car. You will soon find out why many car owners hate winter.
When cold weather sets in, you may find that your car is acting strange. That’s because the cold temperature can interfere with the complex components inside the car.
Metal parts can constrict and shrink, fluids can freeze, belts can become stiff, and your tires can become hard. There are just too many issues that your car can face during winter. So when strange things start happening with your car, you must pay attention to every problem.
HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR CAR DURING WINTER?
With extreme cold conditions, visibility decreases. As such, winter is the season when most car accidents take place. If you are involved in a car accident, especially in snowy places like New York, you will need to contact a car accident attorney in New York City. However, with proper car care, you might avoid such a scenario.
With that being said, we have prepared a quick checklist of things you might need to maintain your car this winter.
1. HEADLIGHT & FOG LIGHT
Winters mean decreased visibility and fog. Fog doesn’t happen every day, but there are times when you will find it hard to see past 20 feet on the road. Hence, having working headlights and fog lights will help you be prepared when hitting the road and will help you avoid road accidents.
2. MAINTAINING TIRE PRESSURE
One of the most important things to consider while taking care of your car during winter is constantly checking the tire pressure. Air exhibits different physical properties in different temperatures.
When the air is hot, it expands and it contracts when it is cold. Hence, it is important to pay close attention to your tire pressure.
3. CAR BATTERY
Battery maintenance is important during winter. When winter comes, it is your car battery that sustains most of the damage. Cold temperatures plummet the cranking of the mercury. When that happens, you will find it hard to start your car.
Furthermore, if you leave your battery unattended for several days, it may stop working. While you are upgrading your car for the winter, invest some in a trickle charging mechanism. It will ensure your battery is never out of power.
4. CHECK THE OIL
When the temperature starts dropping the fluid elements in your car start thickening up, reducing mobility. This can make starting your engine or driving your car feel sluggish.
Also, when oil thickens due to cold weather, it has trouble circulating. This forces the oil pump to work harder.
5. INSPECT YOUR BRAKES
Winter means your brakes will lose their effectiveness. You will find your brakes rattling, squealing, and requiring an increased brake distance. If that is also the case for your car, you need to pay attention to your brakes, especially on icy roads. =
PREPARE A WINTER EMERGENCY KIT
There is no telling what will happen while driving in winter. Having a winter emergency is a great idea. A winter emergency kit comes with all necessary tools and equipment to help you out of any emergency situation.
Some of the items in an emergency winter kit include:
- Jumper cables.
- Sand.
- Tow rope.
- Portable jumper packs.
- LED roadsides flares.
- Handheld shovel.
STAY AHEAD OF WINTER
Is your vehicle ready for the cold? Find out by getting your car serviced. Follow the maintenance tips mentioned above to ensure that your car is in top condition during winter. Check every aspect of its performance and fix anything that looks questionable.
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