Those ominous words from Game of Thrones…”Winter is coming”. Well now that winter is already here, what can car owners do to ensure their car is up to the mark to weather the storms (metaphorically)?
Schedule and budget for Winter maintenance: Whether you take it to a shop, work with a mobile mechanic like GraceFully Fixed or do it yourself, make sure to take this step seriously. We’ve seen many customers stranded or stuck in the cold of winter because their cars broke down. It’s not fun…
Some key things to keep in mind:
- Check and replace your windshield wipers
- Check oil
- Tire pressure
- Tire swap or replacement
- Battery check
Motor oil can thicken during the cold. Ensure you are using the right type of oil so that it doesn’t leak or damage your engine over time.
Check your tires and if you live in snowy or icy conditions, make sure you have the right tires on. Ice and especially Black Ice is a big source of accidents. With COVID, lot of people also haven’t been driving as much. So best to check that your tire pressure is ok and you don’t have bald tires.
Batteries are vital. Ensure you check your battery for corrosion. Any white powder or debris is a sign that there is corrosion. Slow stars could also point to signs of trouble. Finally depending on the age of the battery, best to get it checked out and/or replaced.
Lastly, we recommend all of our customers go buy a emergency kit or roadside kit. You can find one cheap at Walmart that’ll do the job. Standard items to have in this kit include heated blankets, jump boxes/cables, glass brake, flash light, hammer, first aid kit, water and non-perishable foods. You’ll thank us for that unfortunate time you find yourself stuck on the side of the road in the freezing cold waiting for someone to come jump start your car.