When the weather turns cold, your car needs extra care to keep it running smoothly. Taking a few simple steps will ensure you have peace of mind when you need it most. Here’s how auto repair experts suggest preparing for tough winter conditions.

How to Prepare Your Car for Winter

1. Check the Oil & Antifreeze

Because dropping temperatures will thicken motor oil, your car will benefit from an oil change in winter more than ever. To keep the oil fresh and viscous, get a change before bitter temperatures set in, and top off the antifreeze while you’re at it. Then change the oil every 3,000 miles until spring.

2. Inspect the Battery

Your engine has to work harder with thicker oil, which places additional demands on your battery. To make sure your car doesn’t fail to start when you need it, have the battery checked at the beginning and middle of the season. You should examine the terminals for corrosion as well, as that can contribute to failure.

3. Pay Attention to Your Tires

Low temperatures cause deflation due to the contraction of gases inside the tube, so check the tire pressure weekly. Under-inflated tires can be a serious safety issue. Low pressure reduces traction, so it’s easier to lose control in poor weather.

Rotate and replace old tires. Consider getting winter tires for optimal safety in snow, ice, and rain.

4. Check Your Brakes

Constantly pumping the brakes in poor weather adds to wear on the pads, and brake fluid can get dirty and contaminated with water.

With your breaks under so much more strain, have them checked before the season begins and halfway through it. Also, have the brake fluid changed, preferably with a winter formulation.    

5. Invest in Fresh Wipers

Decreased visibility is among the greatest hazards of winter driving. To ensure a clear view through the windshield, auto repair specialists recommend new wiper blades before the weather turns bad. Once wipers begin battling ice and snow, they wear out even faster, so check and replace them as necessary throughout the season.  

If your car needs winterizing or other care due to age or wear, call the auto repair experts at Lo-Man Rods LLC. Serving the Greater Tipp City, OH, area for more than 16 years, their trusted technicians are highly trained to meet your needs for engine service, bodywork, and performance parts at affordable prices. Call (937) 679-5140 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to explore all of their services.