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Between freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, winter can be tough on a vehicle—especially when you live in Alaska. Fortunately, you can keep your car running strong all season so long as you perform preventative maintenance. If you want to stay safe on snowy roads—and avoid major repairs in the spring—here are five auto tune-up tips for the winter.

How to Take Care of Your Car This Winter

1. Optimize the Oil

Most vehicles require an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Delaying could subject your engine to dirty oil—a problem that can impair performance and cause damage. Mechanics should use an oil that is designed for low temperatures. Standard oil may thicken in the cold, which could cause lubrication issues with the engine.

2. Get Tougher Tires

All-weather tires don’t have the tread that’s necessary to grip snowy and icy roads. Snow tires, however, provide a unique tread pattern that can give you greater control on tough terrain—and prevent you from spinning out. If you don’t upgrade your tires, at least use snow chains whenever heavy precipitation is present.

3. Repair Windshield Cracks

auto tune-upSmall windshield cracks tend to expand in cold weather. If these cracks grow, your on-road visibility will be compromised and put you at an increased risk of getting in an accident. To keep your auto glass intact, make sure all cracks and chips are properly filled.

4. Check the Antifreeze

In low temperatures, auto fluids can freeze and cause severe damage to mechanical parts. Antifreeze works to prevent this. If it’s been more than two years since your last antifreeze change, have the fluid flushed and topped off to ensure your car parts will keep working.  

5. Wash the Body

Winter may not seem like the time to wash your car, but it can go a long way in protecting your vehicle. Dirt, road salt, and grime can attract and trap moisture on the body, which in turn, may lead to corrosion. To prevent your vehicle from rusting, take time to detail it regularly—especially if you drive through rough terrain.

 

When you want to stay worry-free this winter, turn to the trusted mechanics at Professional Automotive. Located in Anchorage, AK, this full-service auto shop provides detailed computer diagnostics to determine exactly what kind of care your car needs. Using nothing but the best tools and techniques, these technicians will streamline the auto tune-up process so you can get back on the road without hassle. To learn how this provider can assist with everything from oil changes to tire changeovers, visit their website. For questions, call (907) 562-2471.

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