Top Ten Ways to Winterize Your Vehicle

If you drive your car in the northeast at this time of year, you may be wondering how to properly get your vehicle ready for winter. The process of winterizing a vehicle can be done in several steps. Below, you will find the top ten ways to winterize your vehicle in New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Inspect Your Tires

When it comes to driving on snowy and icy roads, tires mean everything. It is a good idea to furnish your vehicle with a good set of winter tires to better improve your handling on winter roads. All-season tires are also an option, but be sure to check your tread depth heading into winter. The standard test is to take a penny and insert it in your grooves, President Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can still see all of Lincoln’s head, your tires are balding, and it is probably time to replace them. Changes in weather can create fluctuations in the pressure of your tires.

Inspect Fluids

From oil, washer fluid, and anti-freeze, to brake and transmission fluid, be sure to check your vehicle’s fluids regularly. This reminder is especially important when you are getting your vehicle ready for winter. During these colder months in our region, your vehicle’s engine is subject to more significant environmental stresses. At all Lia Auto Group dealerships, we offer state of the art service centers that can top off any fluids you may need. This way, you can rely on your vehicle when it gets good and cold.

Keep An Emergency Kit in Your Vehicle

Having a box of emergency supplies can save you from significant problems should something unfortunate happen when you are on the road. A winter vehicle emergency kit/supply box should include (but not be limited to) items such as warm clothes, blankets, flashlights, and a first-aid kit.

Check Engine Belts and Hoses

The belts and hoses that keep your engine running can end up weakening when cold temperatures arrive. Check these areas for any signs of wear and tear, and be sure to have them replaced if needed. Having a belt snap while driving will leave you waiting in the cold for a tow truck to pick you up.

Change Your Wipers

As we enter winter months in Middletown, you may want to change your windshield wipers. By doing so, you can help ensure your windshield remains clear no matter the conditions.

Check Your Battery

Cold weather can be rough on your vehicle’s battery. In frigid temperatures, the chemical reactions required to generate power in a car battery slow down. At five degrees Fahrenheit, a fully charged lead-acid battery only has half of the amp-hour capacity it is rated for. Additionally, during cold weather, your engine needs more current from the battery to start the engine. Combining this with lower power output and more power requirements can result in a vehicle that won’t start on a cold winter morning.

Clean and Treat Doors

Sometimes doors can get stuck during cold months in our area. Fix this problem by cleaning your doors thoroughly and applying a light layer of oil or another lubricant to the edge of your car doors. This technique works well on your vehicle’s hood and trunk, as well.

Check your four-wheel drive

If they are working correctly, four-wheel-drive systems can provide better traction when driving on snowy and icy northeast roads. It would be best if you had your four-wheel-drive checked by a mechanic before winter weather arrives in full force. If you have not yet done so, be sure to schedule an appointment with us today. We will ensure that your four-wheel-drive is engaging smoothly and that its fluids are at the proper level. Also, if you have not used your vehicle’s 4WD in some time, now is an excellent time to review its operation.

Keep Your Gas Tank At Least Half Full

Fill up often! Keeping gas in the tank is more important in winter than in summer. Why? For one thing, a full tank reduces condensation, which can prevent gas line freeze ups. Not only that, but if you are ever stranded, your engine may be the only thing to keep you warm until help arrives.

Check Vehicle Thermostat

A malfunctioning thermostat could be another reason your car’s cabin air isn’t heating up. The thermostat allows the engine coolant to travel through the vehicle and release warm air. In cold weather, vehicle thermostats, or those that haven’t been on the road in a while can get stuck in the closed position.

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