You winterize your home and your garden. Don’t leave your car behind! The right winter car tune-ups will make you safer and more comfortable on the road, and it’s easy to forget some steps, even as a seasoned driver.
Why not use this car tune-up checklist to ensure you and your vehicle are ready for the snowy season ahead?
These Winter Car Tune-Ups Are A Must
Check Your Tires
Do you live in a region with mild winters? You may get away with all-season tires in the winter if your area doesn’t dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the upcoming winter months remain a great reason to check your tire threads and tire pressure.
Visible wear and tear and tire ridges signal the need for new tires. Do you live in a colder climate? It’s time to have winter tires installed.
Have Your Brakes Checked
Icy roads pose a danger you don’t want to face with uneven brakes. Ask a local mechanic to check your brake pads as the winter approaches.
Have Your Car Battery Checked
Car batteries have a limited lifespan, and harsh winters shorten them. Drivers who haven’t changed their car batteries in a few years should contact a local mechanic to conduct a battery assessment to see if the battery is still in good working order. Checking the connections is a must.
Have Your Exhaust Checked for Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is always a risk. Leaks can damage your car but can also (more importantly) prove deadly when you drive with your windows closed. Before cold weather arrives, find an auto shop near you and ask the mechanic to check your muffler and tailpipes with special equipment.
Get Your Car’s Fluids Topped Off
Brake fluid, engine oil, and coolant should all be topped up as you head into the winter. Freezing weather compromises all of these systems, and you’ll be safer driving in the winter when you stay on top of your vehicle’s fluids. While some car owners have the skills to perform this basic maintenance themselves, it is best to trust a local car mechanic to add fluid top-ups to your winter car tune-ups list.
Have Your Defrosters and Wipers Checked
Visibility takes a hit in cool and foggy winter weather. With winter fast approaching, now’s the time to make sure your windshield wipers, windshield, and defrosters work properly. These steps guarantee you’ll have a clear view of the road. Specialized winter windshield wipers and washer fluid are ideal for winter driving conditions; they’ll keep your vision crystal clear.
Make Sure Your Car Heater Works
Finally, check if your heater performs optimally before the weather gets frosty. You may end up spending long hours on the road in freezing conditions, and when you do, you’ll be glad your car’s heating system can keep you and your family warm and safe.
Gear Up
You never know when disaster will hit. Do you have these essential tools in your trunk in case you get stuck on the side of the road?
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight, shovel, and windshield scraper
- Wrench and jack
- Spare tire
- An extra blanket, snacks, and water
- First-aid kit
Once you can tick all the boxes on this checklist, you’re better prepared for the winter than many drivers and can rest assured you’re ready for whatever comes your way!
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