The last thing you want is to be stuck inside your car in the cold weather. Just like humans, the changing weather also puts stress on your car. With the arrival of the winter season, the climate becomes colder and wet in most regions. According to auto experts, winter car care is important to prepare your car for the harsh weather ahead.
Brake Check
Brakes are an obvious component of vehicle safety. The brake pads, brake lines and hoses, as well as brake assemblies need your attention too. New brake pads have around 12 mm thickness. If the brake pad thickness is reduced to 3mm or less, you need to replace your brake pads. Similarly, you need to ensure the brake oil level is between the minimum and maximum levels.
Belt and Hoses Check
The belts and hoses are important components of your vehicle. Over time, brakes and hoses go through wear and tear. They often become loose and cannot function efficiently. Also, cold and hot weather puts stress on belts and hoses. They are more prone to developing cracks and ultimately break. You need to inspect all belts and hoses for any signs of damage and ensure they are in working order. Some of the hoses and lines you need to check are radiator hoses, fuel line and power steering hoses.
Heat and Ventilation System Check
When the temperatures drop, you will need to switch on the heating system inside your car to stay warm and escape the cold weather outside. You need to ensure the heating system is in working order. Your car’s windshield and windows can fog up during the cold weather and ice might develop on the windshield. The heating and ventilation system can defrost the windshield and windows of your car to help you have a clear view of everything on the road.
Tires Check
The air pressure and tread depth are two important tire checks to perform. When the temperature drops, the air pressure in tires also falls. You need to ensure all tires have the recommended air pressure. The tread depth is directly related to the grip of tires which in turn is related to the safety of the vehicle. The tread depth should not be less than 2/32 of an inch. If the tread depth is less than recommended, it’s time to get new tires. Also, check the tires for uneven wear, bald spots and bulges. The latter two are indicators of serious wear of the tires and you need to consider tire replacement. Uneven wear is related to the misalignment of wheels which can be rectified in a garage.
Battery Check
A battery with full charge is necessary to start your car in cold weather. You need to check the battery for signs of corrosion and ensure there are no loose joints. Batteries are known to fail without warning, especially batteries that are three years old or older. Hence, you need to check the condition of the battery and ensure it is in good condition.
By following these winter car care tips, you can make your car roadworthy and drive safer during the cold winter ahead.
