When winter brings its cold temperatures and long nights, your car may have trouble working as it should. If you want to make sure your vehicle is functional even on the coldest days, there are a few things you can do to protect it from the bad weather. Whether you choose to winterize the car yourself or take it to an auto repair shop, it is vital to do it before the snowing starts. Here are some critical steps to winterize your car:
Change Your Oil and Check Your Filters
Before the temperatures fall too far, you will want to change your oil and filter. While you are under the hood of the car, it’s a good idea to check the air and fuel filters as well. Your service technician can tell you how often the different filters in your vehicle should be changed. Changing your oil regularly will keep your engine running as efficiently as possible.
Top Off Your Fluids
When you change your oil and check your filters, make sure to check the rest of your fluids as well. This includes your car’s coolant, power steering, transmission, and brake fluids. If they are low, top them off and schedule an appointment to get your car serviced if it’s needed.
Test Your Heater/Defroster
You do not want to get stuck on a cold morning with no heater or defroster. Check the heater and the defroster to ensure that they are adequately functional. If you start to notice that it takes longer for your heater to warm up, contact your dealership immediately to have it checked. Check your heater and defroster frequently so you will know at the first sign of trouble.
Inspect Your Tires
Take a close look at your tires to check for any visible signs of wear and tear. If the tread is shallow, you may want to purchase new tires before the bad weather hits. If you have a set of snow tires, have them put on your car before the first hard freeze. Even though your tires may not have several miles on them, they can still show signs of deterioration if they are more than three or four years old.
Check Your Battery
Another crucial checkpoint is to check your battery. You may want to take it to the auto repair shop to have it tested to make sure it is carrying a full charge. If it is not charging the way it should, you may want to buy a new one. The last thing you want on a cold day is to be stuck in a vehicle that will not start.
Choosing to winterize your vehicle on your own can cost you between $50 and $150. Letting a car dealership do the work or having your car serviced professionally can cost about of $200 to $250. Winterizing your car can often prevent insurance claims and can also enhance the safety of anyone traveling with you in your car during the winter season.
Whether you are looking for advice on how to winterize your vehicle correctly or to get the most suitable auto insurance for it, the agents at Scautub Agency in Scotia, New York can provide practical assistance for both. We are always available to make sure you have the right information.