As the delightfully crisp weather of fall approaches, it’s time to consider winterizing your vehicle. Frigid weather negatively affects cars in several ways. Action Auto Insurance Agency in New London, CT, wants to ensure motorists stay safe this winter. Here, the auto insurance provider offers some car maintenance advice to prepare for the season.

Auto Insurance Agency Advice for Winterizing Your Car

Check Tire Pressure

The air pressure in your tires falls along with the temperature outside, about one pound of pressure per ever 10 degrees. Low pressure causes traction issues, which can be extremely dangerous in snowy or icy conditions. Refer to your manufacturer’s manual to keep tire pressure within the recommended range.

Replace Wiper Blades

Wiper blades often become rigid and tear in freezing temperatures. Pressure from ice, snow, and rain also puts undue stress on the rubber. Inspect and replace the blades as needed, check the fluid level, and set your heater and fan controls on defrost and high, respectively, before you turn your vehicle off for the day to reduce the possibility of cold weather damage. Also, look for cracks in your windshield while performing wiper maintenance. Cold windshields can crack in response to warm cabin temperatures.

Test the Battery

Batteries have a harder job in the winter. Engine oil thickens in reaction to cold temperatures, requiring more power from the battery to keep the parts turning. The chemical reactions that provide electricity also slow when temperatures decrease. Test your battery as fall turns to winter and replace it if it’s more than five years old. Also, check the battery terminal for corrosion.

Check Your Fluids

Since oil naturally thickens during cold weather, it will turn to sludge quickly in the winter if it’s been a while since your last change. Schedule this important car maintenance task as well as a transmission flush and fluid top-off to keep these parts operational in cold weather. Have the antifreeze flushed and refilled as well to prevent corrosion and engine freezes from dirty or inadequate fluid.

Inspect Headlights & Brake Lights

Driving on dark and cold winter nights is dangerous enough without burnt-out headlights and brake lights. Ask your mechanic to inspect these lights and replace old bulbs to keep you safe on the road, especially since it gets dark so early this time of year.

Motorists can also prepare for winter by ensuring their auto insurance coverage is adequate for any potential emergency. Action Auto Insurance Agency in New London, CT, provides area residents with comprehensive coverage at competitive rates. You’ll feel safer on the road knowing your policy allows for 24-hour roadside assistance and a fast and easy claims process should you have a collision on icy roads. Call (860) 444-7224 or visit them online for a free, no-obligation quote.