Don’t let the winter season take a toll on your vehicle. It is important to be prepared for the winter weather before it starts. Taking a few precautions to prepare your car will help it perform better and safer this upcoming season. Be prepared and winterize!
- Get A Pre-Season Inspection
Take your vehicle in for a pre-season inspection. The mechanic should check all systems, including the battery, antifreeze level, thermostat, heater, brakes and defroster. By doing this it will put your mind at ease that your vehicle is running smoothly before the winter weather begins.
- Check Your Tires
Check for proper inflation and make sure your tires have adequate tread. If the treads are worn, replace your tires. If it snows in your area, think about switching out your tires for a set of snow tires. Snow treads have better traction on ice and snow and are better equipped to handle extreme winter conditions.
- Winterize Your Windshield
Standard windshield wiper fluid can freeze in extreme cold. Use one designed for colder climates. Also, get winter wiper blades to cut through snow and ice. Check the spray nozzles of your windshield washer system and use a needle or pin to clear blockages.
- Test Your Lights
Perform a visual inspection of your lights. Make sure the front and rear lights are operational, especially the flashing hazard lights. In addition, have someone watch you pump your brakes to check your brake lights.
- Rinse Off Road Salt
Salt used to de-ice roads during winter can damage your vehicle’s paint. Rinsing it off every once in a while can help, but a good wash and coat of fresh wax will help prevent corrosion and keep your vehicle looking great all winter long.
- Winter Supply Box
Here at IAS we believe safety is priority. You should always be prepared for the least expected. You never know when something could happen to your vehicle in a snow storm and possibly leave you stuck for a few hours on the side of the road. That’s where packing a supply box comes in handy. Things that should be included in this box include: first-aid kit, flashlight, extra flashlight batteries, road flares, blankets, gloves, hat, portable phone charger, ice scraper, snacks, water and a bag of sand to put under your tires for traction.
- Keep Your Car Sheltered
If you have a garage at home or at work take advantage of it. This will help keep your vehicle out of the snow as much as possible, protect your paint job and guard the vehicle against ice on the windshield. Another option is a car cover if you do not have a garage.
It is always best to try to avoid extreme weather conditions or wait them out whenever possible. Following the above tips will help prepare your vehicle for the cold winter weather ahead. Contact International AutoSource today to purchase the right vehicle for you this winter!
