Ready or not, winter weather has arrived! As you prepare for the cold months ahead, we recommend prepping your vehicle too. Follow these winter car care tips to keep your vehicle reliable and safe throughout winter.
REPLACE DIRTY FILTERS
You should have your air, fuel, ad PCV filters replaced regularly. A poorly running engine—especially during winter—is less efficient and burns more gasoline.
CHECK YOUR WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
As a rule of thumb, you should replace your windshield wiper blades every six months to a year. If you’re experiencing streaking and unclear vision during inclement weather, replace them sooner. Stock your vehicle with freeze-resistant wiper fluid to keep your windshield clean.
HAVE YOUR TIRES AND BRAKES INSPECTED
Low air pressure and worn tires are dangerous on wet or slick roads. You may experience reduced traction and difficulty maintaining control in snow and ice. Regular tire inspections and tire pressure monitoring can make a huge difference. If you’re not sure what pressure to keep your tires at, check your owner’s manual for the recommended PSI.
Since we live in Michigan, investing in winter tires could help immensely. Winter tires increase your traction and will improve your safety on the road.
PROTECT THE INTERIOR
Grab a couple of all-weather floor mats to keep the inside of your vehicle clean and protected against snow, ice, and salt. All-weather floor mats are easy to clean and keep things like snow and muck in one place. Keeping your windows clean will improve visibility and reduce the likelihood of steamy, smudgy windows while driving.
CHECK YOUR BATTERY
Cold weather causes battery capacity to reduce. It’s a good idea to complete a thorough inspection of your battery, cables, terminals, and fluid before spending too much time out on the road. Battery cables should be free of any cracks or breaks. The terminals should fit snugly without any loose connections.
While you’re inspecting your battery, look around for the manufacture date. Knowing how old your battery is will give you an idea of when it might begin to lose charge. If you're not familiar with your vehicle's battery, take it to a trained professional.
INSPECT ALL LIGHTS AND BULBS
Replace burned-out bulbs and clean road grime from all lenses to keep your lights working properly. You’ll want others to see your vehicle during low-visibility conditions.
PREPARE FOR AN EMERGENCY
Be prepared for the worse by stocking your car with items that will keep you safe if you happen to get stranded on the side of the road.
Consider including these items:
Blanket, gloves, and a hat
Flashlight
Extra batteries
Small shovel
Ice scraper
Jumper cables
High-energy snacks
A bag of kitty litter or sand
If you’re seeking help with any of the above, don’t hesitate to contact us. At AA Muffler & Brakes we provide professional service, with quality parts, all at the guaranteed lowest prices. Stay safe on the roads!