Winter can get awfully harsh on your car, and on you if you end up stranded somewhere because something failed in your car. Skiles Automotive Services has some tips for you about properly winterizing your car so you’re ready for whatever this winter has to throw your way.
Take Stock of Battery Health
Cold weather does a number on your car’s battery, so you need to be ready. Make sure that the battery posts are free of corrosion and that the cables are attached properly. If the battery is getting up there in age, you may want to consider replacing it. At the very least get it tested to make sure that it’s fully charged.
Make Sure Your Antifreeze Is Ready to Go
Antifreeze does exactly what it says on the label, so it’s never more vital to have antifreeze doing its job than during winter. If you’ve ever added water to your coolant reservoir, you may want to go ahead and do a flush and refill of the cooling system, just to make sure you’ve got proper levels of functional antifreeze.
Consider Replacing Spark Plugs
Without spark, you don’t get combustion. If it’s been a while since you’ve had the spark plugs tested or replaced, now might be the time. You don’t want to end up stranded somewhere because your spark plugs have failed and can’t keep the engine fired.
Get an Oil Change
Engine oil cools and lubricates the engine, but that’s also helpful in winter. Making sure that you have fresh, clean oil in the engine before the weather gets super cold can be incredibly helpful in keeping the engine as healthy as possible. If you’re even close to needing an oil change, it’s a good idea to go ahead and get that handled now.
Check the Tires
Tires are your contact with the road and if your tread is worn or the tires are improperly inflated, that can be downright hazardous in bad weather. Check the tread and consider whether it’s time now to go ahead and replace the tires. Also make sure that the tire are inflated to the proper pressure.
If you want any help with making sure that your car is properly winterized, give us a call at Skiles Automotive Services in Bremen, IN. We’ll be happy to go over every inch of your car for you and let you know what you need in order to be prepared for winter weather.
