From frequent trips to the grocery store and school runs to those long commutes to your relative’s house, you are sure to spend a lot of time in your vehicle this winter. Therefore, it’s important that your ride has all the tools it needs to get you there safely. If you’re hoping to avoid emergency auto repairs this season, use the following three tips to keep your car in check.

3 Tips for Winter Car Maintenance

1. Inspect the Battery

This component is responsible for running all the electrical components inside your car, including the lights and the radio. It also gives your engine the power it needs to start. Unfortunately, despite its strength, car batteries are notoriously vulnerable to extremely cold temperatures. In the winter, your battery is more likely to die, leaving you stranded on the side of the road, and without any heat. To avoid this uncomfortable scenario, you’ll want to have your battery tested and, if necessary, replaced by an auto repair professional. 

2. Change the Tires

The freezing temperatures of winter can also cause your tires to contract, and might reduce the air pressure inside of them. When tires are under-inflated, they have less of a grip on the road, increasing the chance of hydroplaning on the icy asphalt. To protect yourself and your passengers, check on the PSI level of your tires at least once a week throughout the winter. If you are driving for long distances, you might want to switch your standard set for snow tires, which can provide more traction.

3. Refill the Fluids

Cars rely on a number of fluids to function properly. During the winter, one of the most important automotive fluids is antifreeze, which prevents the engine from freezing over. In addition to refilling this reservoir, make sure your gasoline and windshield washer fluid tanks are also topped off. A partially empty gas tank may be infiltrated by water vapor, which can freeze and turn your car’s fuel into slush. Also, the washer fluid will come in handy when you’re traveling through a dense snowfall.

If you still manage to run into trouble on the road this winter, turn to Griff's Auto Service of Rochester, NY, for auto repairs. They can perform the necessary repairs wherever you’re stranded on the roadside, or tow your ride to their shop for on-site fixes. Either way, you can trust their ASE-certified technicians to provide lasting results. Call them at (585) 227-8700 at any time of day or night for help, or visit the website to learn more about their auto repair center.