Cold weather is coming, and your car needs to be prepared to endure the sub-freezing temperatures. We all depend on our cars to get us back and forth to home, work, church, and shopping. Although it is impossible to anticipate every need your car may have, it is prudent to cover the basics before the winter season approaches. Here are some things you can do to help minimize the inconveniences they may arise from being unprepared:
1. Coolant - The coolant on your vehicle should be changed every few years to keep the effectiveness of the "antifreeze" when the cold weather approaches. Many vehicles have a specific type of coolant that is required, be sure consult your owners manual to make sure you are putting the correct coolant in your vehicle.
2. Battery - The average life of today's vehicle batteries varies from 3-5 years. With the high demand of extra gadgets such as cell phone chargers, navigation systems, etc the expected battery life on the average vehicle has shortened. If your battery is over 3 years, you should have your battery checked before the cold weather season begins. At Fayette Import, a simple 10 minute test can check your battery and the vehicle charging system. If your battery is over 5 years old, you should consider replacement to ensure a trouble-free winter. Also check cables are tight and make sure there is no corrosion.
3. Belts - Check the drive belts for cracks or signs of wear - if they show signs of wear, replace them now so it does not snap in the cold weather.
4. Washer fluid - Many people substitute water for their washer fluid - this will freeze and thus damage components to your washer system. Make sure you have the proper washer fluid that has a concentration of alcohol to prevent it from freezing.
5. Wiper Blades - Inclement weather will NEED good wiper blades - old worn out blades will perform poorly in adverse conditions - Change them now to prevent vision problems if wintery precipitation occurs.
6. Tires - Good tires = good traction. Colder temperature will cause a drop in tire pressure - so be sure to check your tire pressure and make sure it is set at the recommend PSI.
7. Oil - Make sure your oil change is up to date, and make sure to use the proper viscosity for the temperatures in your area. Consult your owners manual to make sure you have the correct oil viscosity for your conditions.
8. Brakes - In extreme cold temperatures, avoid using the parking brake as sometimes components can freeze together preventing you from moving vehicle.
1. Coolant - The coolant on your vehicle should be changed every few years to keep the effectiveness of the "antifreeze" when the cold weather approaches. Many vehicles have a specific type of coolant that is required, be sure consult your owners manual to make sure you are putting the correct coolant in your vehicle.
2. Battery - The average life of today's vehicle batteries varies from 3-5 years. With the high demand of extra gadgets such as cell phone chargers, navigation systems, etc the expected battery life on the average vehicle has shortened. If your battery is over 3 years, you should have your battery checked before the cold weather season begins. At Fayette Import, a simple 10 minute test can check your battery and the vehicle charging system. If your battery is over 5 years old, you should consider replacement to ensure a trouble-free winter. Also check cables are tight and make sure there is no corrosion.
3. Belts - Check the drive belts for cracks or signs of wear - if they show signs of wear, replace them now so it does not snap in the cold weather.
4. Washer fluid - Many people substitute water for their washer fluid - this will freeze and thus damage components to your washer system. Make sure you have the proper washer fluid that has a concentration of alcohol to prevent it from freezing.
5. Wiper Blades - Inclement weather will NEED good wiper blades - old worn out blades will perform poorly in adverse conditions - Change them now to prevent vision problems if wintery precipitation occurs.
6. Tires - Good tires = good traction. Colder temperature will cause a drop in tire pressure - so be sure to check your tire pressure and make sure it is set at the recommend PSI.
7. Oil - Make sure your oil change is up to date, and make sure to use the proper viscosity for the temperatures in your area. Consult your owners manual to make sure you have the correct oil viscosity for your conditions.
8. Brakes - In extreme cold temperatures, avoid using the parking brake as sometimes components can freeze together preventing you from moving vehicle.
