The cold weather is not your vehicle’s best friend, given that it brings along some harsh conditions with it. You should prepare your car well in advance for such testing times with timely maintenance checks.
For a safe and smooth driving experience in cold conditions, follow the information below.
Test Your Battery
A battery that performs at its best in chilly weather is a basic necessity. To prevent your car battery from freezing, park your car in a garage instead of out in the cold. Get an auto expert to test your car battery and evaluate its performance. Only then can you confidently take it out for a spin when the temperatures drop. Always keep jumper cables at hand in case your car breaks down and your battery needs reviving.
Monitor Tire Pressure
The tendency for the air in your car tires to drop is very high during the winter months. It is essential to monitor your tire pressure every month as car tires that are not adequately pressurized are hard on your vehicle. Fitting your car with winter tires is a safe bet as these are specially designed to navigate icy and wet roads.
Improve Visibility
Your windscreen is likely to get foggy because of the chill in the air, or icy when it snows. Even when it snows, you need to continually keep your windshield clear and clean to improve your visibility while driving. Keep a watch for any cracks on your windshield and repair them before they get worse.
The defrosters installed in your car must be in working condition as they are used to a greater extent this time of year. Replace your wiper blades once they are worn out and add antifreeze windshield wiper fluid.
Inspect Car Lights
To safely navigate through heavy snow and thick winter fog, you need bright brake lights, turn signals and headlights. These lights must also be in a fully functional state so that they serve their purpose.
Visibility tends to be very low during winter. Fully functioning lights not only improve your visibility but also ensure other drivers are aware of your car’s presence on the road. Also, ensure all relevant lenses are clean and not cracked.
Apply a Fresh Coat of Wax
Generally, road salt is sprinkled on icy roads to enable motorists to traverse these stretches. Since salt is naturally corrosive, it can damage your vehicle over a period of time. Experts recommend you apply a fresh coat of car wax as the winter approaches, to protect your car from such damage.
The lower portions of your vehicle are most impacted as the grime, salt and snow tend to get embedded in the wheels, front grille and quarter panels. This long exposure to unfriendly elements causes excessive damage when ignored.
Prevention is always better than repairs, so get your vehicle ready for winter ahead of time.
