Winter is here, but is your vehicle ready for winter? If you reside in California, you can anticipate an easier drive with sunny skies on some days, but other parts of the country will get nothing less than extreme cold weather.
Not to worry, we have curated a checklist that helps you prepare for winter before it arrives. Keep reading to discover what you need to start doing to make driving safe and easy during harsh seasons.
1. Keep the car exterior protected.
One of the maintenance to always include is body wash. Your car must be thoroughly washed and waxed to protect it from the road salt ahead. Let a professional help you get the washing and waxing done, as they know how best the application can be made. Visit Mann Auto Collision centre today.
2. Replace the oil
Winter is the best time to change your oil to a synthetic one. During cold weather, the full synthetic oil will flow more easily than the conventional one and will not need a long warm-up time. Also, note the oil best for your vehicle before switching, as cars react differently to oil.
3. Ensure visibility at all times
The headlights and tail lights are one of the first things to keep in check during maintenance. Winter comes with fuzzy views that can be better illuminated when your lights are working. Also, use winter windshield wipers to help you clear your windshield faster and more efficiently. You should also use a windshield fluid specific for winter, such as the de-icing fluid for early morning cleans.
4. Keep your battery in good health.
Your battery bears a lot of heat during summer, and if it is not maintained for winter, it could break down on a cold morning. To avoid this, come into Mann auto collision centre today to check your battery before it starts a new toll in winter. We offer system tests to check if the battery needs to be replaced or serviced. We even go as far as not just purchasing the battery but also installing it for you when it is purchased.
Note also that sometimes a new battery isn’t the best solution for your car, especially if you use it sparingly or reside in a cold region. Instead, consider buying a trickle charger or maintainer to keep your battery alive during those off days if you want it to keep its power intact.
5. Examine your tires
The treads in your tires need to have a certain depth to be considered suitable for use. If it has 3/32 tread depth, then you are good to go. This traction is needed to withstand the uneven road conditions ahead. We even advise some people to buy snow tires, but this depends on where you reside.
6. Check the coolant
Your engine needs to be cooled during summer and prevented from freezing during winter. A good choice of coolant will prevent the water in the cooling system from expanding, freezing and causing other damage. The best way to check the coolant or the antifreeze strength is to use an antifreeze tester or, better still, visit the Mann Auto collision centre. If the coolant is in good condition and doesn’t need replacement, ask for guidance on keeping it at the expected level. But, if not, endeavour to make the replacement in time.
7. Confirm the diesel fuel lines and DEF levels
This tip is for diesel vehicles as it is different from regular cars. Note that the fuel lines go up during winter; therefore, using a good diesel such as the Diesel 911 would help you overcome some problems. You should also check your vehicle’s diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) levels as you move. If your truck doesn’t show the level, you can build a meter that shows the warning signs that the DEF levels will soon be exhausted.
8. Get some de-icing chemicals.
This is one tip that doesn’t require prior experience, but it is necessary for every driver who wants to enjoy a smooth ride during winter. You will need these chemicals when your car door or windows get stuck. You should also buy windshield de-icers which will all work together to help you prevent frozen fingers and easier access to your car.
9. Clean the fuel injectors
The performance of your vehicle depends on the fuel injector cleaner you use. During winter, the cold temperature tends to create problems that the fuel injector cleaner can fix; hence, buying it is worth it. The fuel injector works like the antifreeze system as it can remove the rough starts and restore the power faster than you expect.
10. Examine the thermostat and radiator cap
The radiator cap is a very important part of your vehicle’s heating and cooling system. It is responsible for keeping the antifreeze intact and the cooling system pressurized. If your radiator cap is faulty or leaking, it can cause the antifreeze to leak and the engine to overheat. Therefore, checking the radiator cap carefully for signs of leakage will help prevent avoidable future costs. If you have used the radiator cap for a long time, replacing it will be a great move.
Also, the thermostat should be checked to see if it is in good condition. The coolant can cause the thermostat to fail; hence changing it often is important. If your thermostat is faulty also, change it to maintain the balance in your vehicle during winter and summer.
The best time to give your vehicle the maintenance it needs is now. If you need to know where to start, visit Mann Auto collision center today.
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