Winter weather means cold temperatures and plenty of precipitation. Even if you don’t live in a climate that experiences regular snowfall, you don’t want to end up stranded or having trouble seeing out your windshield when the thermometer drops. Follow these tips to help keep your vehicle in peak condition and safely make it through the winter.
Consider Replacing Your Battery
If your battery is more than 5 years old, you might want to be proactive and replace it before it dies. Newer batteries may also benefit from a charge. You can take it to a service station or auto parts store to have it tested. Also, be sure that your vehicle has jumper cables stored somewhere just in case you need an emergency jump.
Replace Windshield Wipers
You might be amazed to see how much of a difference new windshield wipers can make. This is a simple and affordable fix. Even the most highly rated wipers only have a lifespan of about six months. The rubber edge of the blade is susceptible to wear and tear which can leave you struggling with poor visibility. You should be able to quickly remove and replace your wipers yourself or you can have it done at your next oil change.
Have Your Heater Checked
Your car’s heater will certainly help you feel more comfortable, but it also plays an important role in defrosting your windshield. Low temperatures lead to frosty windows and you don’t want to have to wait for your car to clear off frozen moisture. If the heater isn’t producing enough hot air, you will want to get this fixed before winter really settles in.
Replace Old Tires
Don’t wait until the first snowfall to replace your old and worn tires. Low tread will make it difficult to gain proper traction on wet and snowy roads. For optimal results, replace all four tires at once. Finally, be sure to keep them properly inflated. Temperature fluctuations can affect your tire pressure and underinflated tires can also lead to poor traction.
Get an Oil Change
Cold temperatures will cause the oil in your vehicle to thicken and make it more difficult to start the engine. You may want to change to a different viscosity for optimal oil flow. Be sure to talk with your vehicle technician to make sure that you are using the right oil for the weather and the amount of miles on your car. Getting an oil change to switch to the right oil and replace the filter can be an easy way to improve your vehicle’s performance.
For more tips on how to ensure your vehicle is operating at a peak level, visit the experts at TransMedics. We can help you prepare your car for winter weather so that you don’t have to worry about running into problems once the temperature drops. Our team of highly trained and experienced technicians are ready to help. Come see us today to have your vehicle serviced.