The drop in temperature means the arrival of winter is just around the corner, and you want to make sure your car is ready. That means more than just changing your tires. The certified mechanics at Tires N More—a full-service auto maintenance and repair shop in Cabot, AR—offer tips to get your car ready for the winter.

What steps can you take to winterize your car?

• Ensure Visibility: Keeping your windshield clear of sleet, rain, snow, and debris provides optimum visibility, which is essential for safe driving. Replace your windshield wipers if the rubber blades show signs of cracking or stiffness. Make sure your washer fluid reservoir is filled to keep your windshield free of the dust that can get kick up from the road. Ensure all your lights are working so you can see the road in low-light conditions and so other drivers can see you.
• Get The Right Oil Change: The temperatures outside affect the internal temperature of your engine, and that impacts how well the oil works. Oil thickens when the temperature drops, making it harder to properly lubricate your engine. Switch to a thinner oil with less viscosity in colder weather, which will run more easily through your engine. Check your owner’s manual for the right type of oil or ask your mechanic when you take your car in for regularly scheduled oil changes.
• Maintain Your Engine: If your engine tends to stall, has hard starts, or experiences rough idling, bring your car to the mechanic for maintenance—these problems can worsen with cold temperatures. Tires N More also recommends letting your engine warm up before you start driving. This helps the oil heat up, which will thin it out and let it flow more smoothly.
• Check Your Coolant: Your car’s cooling system not only protects your engine from overheating, it also prevents corrosion. Consult your car manual for the right antifreeze-to-water ratio that’s necessary for the winter months, or ask your auto repair shop for help. Insufficient antifreeze can lead to the coolant freezing and the engine overheating, resulting in blown gaskets. Don’t forget that your cooling system needs to be flushed every two years. The radiator and hoses should be checked for damage.
• Check Your Battery: The capacity of your battery gets lower in colder temperatures. You need to visit an auto maintenance shop to properly check the charge on your battery, but there are some things you can do on your own to help maintain your battery. Inspect the cables for cracks, breaks, or other damage. The terminals should be snug, and the connections should be tight. Refer to your owner’s manual for how to check the battery fluid levels, if applicable, and refill the fluid as needed.

Call Tires N More at (501) 843-2488 for more winter preparation tips or to make an appointment to get your car ready for winter. You can also visit their website to learn more about their auto maintenance and repair services or shop for winter and all-season tires online.