Top 10 Ways to Winterize Your Car

The winter season can create harsh conditions for your car. It can cause you to breakdown on the side of the road or require costly repairs. Fortunately, there are some ways that you can reduce the risk of a breakdown or having an accident and keep your car operational throughout the winter. Here are ten winter car tips to winterize your vehicle no matter where you live.

Test Battery

A dead car battery is one of the more common issues that can happen in very cold weather. It’s also no fun to run out to get into your car on a snowy morning only to discover that it won’t start. To prepare for the winter, it makes sense to have your battery tested to make sure that it’s not at the end of its lifespan. If it is, you can get it replaced.

Watch Tire Pressure

Sudden, cold weather can make the air in your tires contract, leaving you with a flat tire. If you over inflate your tires at night, when it’s the coldest, you could end up with too much air. Throughout the winter, pay special attention to your tire pressure to ensure that you have the right amount of air in each tire.

Take Care of Quick Repairs

During the winter, it is especially important to get your car repaired fast if you notice any minor issues. If you notice a noise coming from under your car, take it to the repair shop as soon as you can to prevent roadside emergencies. Needing emergency roadside assistance in the winter means that you’ll have to wait outside in the cold for help to arrive.

Buy Snow Tires

If you live in a place that snows frequently or the average temperature drops below 7 degrees Celsius, it makes a lot of sense to invest in a good set of snow tires. This gives you the traction you need to safely drive over cold dry pavement as well as ice and snow. It can also extend the life of your regular tires.

Check for Exhaust Leaks

When it’s cold, you will spend more time driving with your windows up and the heat on. If your vehicle has an exhaust leak, the fumes can end up in the cabin. This could make you sick. Have your mechanic check for exhaust leaks the next time your car is in the shop to avoid this.

Know Common Cold Weather Car Problems

Having cold weather car problems might be more common than you think. Weakened coil springs can lead to a bouncier or uneven drive. Dealing with flat tires and dead batteries can make you late for work. Being aware of common cold weather car problems can help you to prevent them.

Replace Antifreeze

Antifreeze is especially important in the winter. Replacing old antifreeze can become a part of your annual routine for winterizing your car.

Buy New Wiper Blades

Wiper blades are important during both rainy and snowy seasons, as you need something to remove the moisture from your windshield. The winter weather can cause significant wear to your wiper blades. Since it is such an inexpensive, yet critical, part of your vehicle, replacing the set is a smart way to prepare your car for this time of year.

Pack an Emergency Kit

You should have an emergency kit in your car no matter what time of year it is. In the winter, your emergency kit should include cold weather supplies, such as portable heating, jackets, and blankets.

Winterize Car for Storage

If you plan on putting your car into storage for the winter, there are some steps you can take to protect your vehicle. This includes adding fuel stabilizer and taking care of routine maintenance tasks before storing it. This way, your car will be in great condition at the end of the season.

Keeping your vehicle in top working order is an important part of preparing your car for the winter. If you’re looking to find a good auto body shop in your area, go to CrashBay.com and search by city name or call us at 1 (833) 629-CBAY. You’ll find a comprehensive online marketplace for collision repair.