Preparing Your Car For The Winter

The cold weather is here. Besides incredible changing leaves in the Buffalo area, don’t forget what winter does to your ride. Even driving a block to the store can be an MMA fight between you vs. the weather and other motorists.

With winter comes snow, ice, and sub-zero degrees. All these things can turn a routine drive into an accident waiting to happen.

The weather puts a significant strain on your car, putting demands on equipment and parts you might overlook during the summertime. Just for you, here are some suggestions in preparing your vehicle for the winter.

Cover It Up
If you have a garage or car awning, this is the time to use it. Having to get up before dawn to scrape ice and snow off your windows in freezing temps isn’t a thrill.

Put your car in a dry, warm area makes get going in the morning much more manageable. If you don’t have a car awning or garage, purchase a car cover to keep the cold and snow out.

Look At Your Battery
Humans and car batteries have one thing in common: both detest winter.

Even a good functioning battery can be hard to turn over if it doesn’t like the weather. Low temperatures can diminish a battery’s power over 45%. You might want to replace your battery or have a mechanic inspect it before winter comes a-calling.

The tests aren’t 100% accurate, so if you’re concerned, go ahead and buy a new one or a pair of jumper cables.
 
Just remember to be mindful of your battery posts throughout the year. Use a small wire brush and a mixture of water and baking soda to keep your battery posts clean.

Arrange An Inspection
The same way you get a yearly checkup, it’s not a bad idea to have your vehicle inspected by a licensed automobile professional to ensure all is right. A mechanic can tell you if your parts and systems are in good working condition before winter hits.

Always keep your tank half full and change your oil before the weather gets cold. The last thing you want is to have your car breaks down in the cold, and you have to call a tow truck.

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