Winter is unpredictable at the best of times and when you still have to be out driving in bad weather you need to make sure your car is ready for whatever might happen. Follow some of these tips from Louisville Automotive Shop to prepare for winter now.
Test Your Antifreeze
Did you know you can test your car’s antifreeze? Antifreeze typically is about half water and half coolant, but if more water has gotten into the antifreeze, that reduces what the antifreeze can do for your car. Also, if your antifreeze levels are lower than they should be, it’s vital that you top up that reservoir before the weather gets too cold.
Test Your Battery
Without a functioning battery, you’re never going to get the car started much less get that heater running. Your car’s battery takes a beating during cold weather, too, so it’s important to make sure that the battery has a charge and is in good condition. Getting it tested is the best way to make sure it’s ready for the cold weather months.
Get the Oil Changed Out
Your car’s engine relies on engine oil for so much and if you’re anywhere close to needing an oil change, now’s a great time to go ahead and get it done. Putting brand new oil into the car is going to give your car’s engine tons of protection that it will definitely need as winter weather gets worse. It might even be time to consider whether switching to synthetic oil is right for your car.
Lubricate Your Door Locks and Doors
If you’ve ever found yourself with frozen locks or doors because of winter precipitation, you know how lousy that is. Prep now and get your doors and door locks lubricated before ice starts forming at all. Using lock lubricating spray or silicone spray inside the locks and along the weatherstripping helps to keep ice from forming at all.
Put Some Winter Gear into the Trunk
Don’t forget about you and your passengers, too. Winter is not a pleasant time to get stuck somewhere, and it’s a good idea to make sure that you have a heavy blanket, gloves, and some non-perishable snacks in the trunk. Water and an extra cell phone charger might also be good ideas.
If you nee more help determining what your car needs this winter, give us a call at Louisville Automotive Shop in Louisville, KY. We’ll go over every part of your car and help you to be as prepared as possible.