As fall settles in and the weather begins to change, it's a great time to prep your ride for the cold months ahead.
The harsh weather can mess things up, leaving your car breaking down when you least expect it and even affecting its appearance. Here are some easy tips to prepare your ride for any winter surprises.
Keep your tires properly inflated
Cold temperatures cause air pressure in tires to drop. So regularly check your tire pressure and keep them inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels.
Underinflated tires can lead to poor handling and reduced traction in snow and icy conditions. Consider installing winter tires, which offer superior grip on snow and ice, or use all-season tires with adequate tread.
Strengthen your battery for the winter
Your car's battery is very important for making sure everything works right, especially when it's cold outside.
Cold weather can make your car's battery weak, so it's tougher to get it going. Before winter hits, it's important you get your battery checked. If it's got a dead battery, swap it out so you don't freeze out there.
Use the right oil
Just like how our bodies feel stiffer in the cold, your car's engine oil can thicken as temperatures drop. When oil thickens, it doesn't flow as easily, which can cause extra friction and wear on your engine.
To keep your engine running smoothly, consider switching to a winter-weight oil that is specially designed for colder weather. Check your owner's manual to find out which oil is best for your car during the winter months.
Use snow chains or tires
If you live in an area where it snows heavily in the winter, you should consider getting snow tires or chains to provide better traction and control against the ice.
Snow tires are made of rubber compounds that remain soft in freezing temperatures, providing a better grip, while chains can be helpful in extreme winter conditions.
Protect your car from the elements
Snow, ice, and salt associated with winter are tough on your ride. That’s why you need a vehicle cover, as it saves you from those morning ice and snow-scraping blues.
Remember to regularly wash the salt off your car so that it remains sparkling clean and rust-free. Also, cover your ride with a blanket so the cold weather doesn't mess up the paint job.
Boost visibility
Winter's chill can really give your wipers a tough time, especially when it's snowing like crazy. Swapping out your old wipers for winter ones can really help you out when it's snowing.
These blades are tough enough to deal with rough stuff, so you can spot things clearly when they're super important.
Don't get caught off guard this winter
Following the above steps will help prepare your car for the winter months and make sure that it is ready to get you through the difficulties of cold weather.
For an extra layer of protection for your car in the Lehigh Valley, schedule professional paint protection services from Motorcar Paint Protection. Our quality coating can protect the exterior of your vehicle against road salt and other sources of winter damage, leaving it looking excellent year-round.
Contact us today.
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