As the weather gets colder, it’s important to think about winterizing your car. Any auto mechanic will tell you that this necessary ritual will simplify your car maintenance when the winter season hits and can increase the overall lifespan of your vehicle. To learn more about how to get your car ready for winter, consult the list below.

How to Prepare Your Car for Cold Weather

1. Replace Your Wiper Blades & Wiper Fluid

When driving in the winter, the build-up of precipitation and salt on your windshield can make it hard to see. Effective windshield wipers and a sufficient supply of wiper fluid will ensure that you can see and drive carefully in even the nastiest of snowstorms. Replace your wiper blades yearly and use wiper fluid that has a lower freezing temperature.

2. Switch to Winter Tires

While you can use all-season tires in winter conditions, they don’t offer the maximum performance you may need when driving through snow and ice. When the temperature is hovering around or below freezing, the rubber compounds in non-winter tires can harden and decrease the tire’s grip on the road. The special compounds in winter tires resist hardening and provide better traction in ice, snow, and slush.

3. Check Your Battery

Winter weather is tough on your car’s battery. In extremely cold temperatures, the chemical reactions required to generate power slow down and can cause your car to run inefficiently. Additionally, because your engine requires more current from the battery to run under cold conditions, a faulty battery can prevent your vehicle from starting. Have an auto mechanic run a battery load test to see if it needs to be replaced.

4. Change the Oil

In order for a car’s engine to run properly, it needs to be lubricated with oil. However, cold weather reduces the oil’s effectiveness and causes it to get thick. Thick oil will not circulate through your engine as easily, which can prevent it from getting the lubrication it needs. Be sure to change your oil as needed to prevent it from thickening up.

5. Inspect All Belts & Hoses

Cold temperatures can take a toll on the belts and hoses that help your engine run. Have an auto mechanic check them for signs of wear and tear before the weather gets to freezing levels. If a belt snaps while you’re driving, your car will need to be towed. Be sure to have all belts and hoses replaced as needed before you get stuck in the winter weather.

 

If you’re looking to winterize your car, consult the trustworthy auto mechanics at M & R Automotive Service Center. Serving customers in Geneseo, NY, and the surrounding areas for almost 30 years, this auto repair shop can handle everything from simple oil changes to full-scale engine repair. They also offer 24-hour towing, inspection services, and auto part sales. Check them out online to learn more about their services and call (585) 243-1201 to schedule an appointment with a car repair technician.