How To Prepare Your Car For The Winters
Caring for your car can be challenging, if you are not fully cognizant of the basics. Throw in the winter season and the challenge can easily turn into a nightmare. Different parts such as the paint, tyres and engine can be damaged if not properly protected against winter elements. Irrespective of the vehicle or type of battery your vehicle has, winter conditions mean that the battery is going through a taxing time itself.
You can follow a few tips to winterize your car for the cold season:
Check and fix your car’s lights
One of the greatest hazards while driving in the winter is that the days are shorter than nights and it gets dark sooner. You car’s lighting should therefore be in tip top shape. You want your car headlights and fog lights to give you the best possible illumination of the road, for your safety and the safety of other motorists.
Check and replace your engine oil if needed
If you haven’t changed your engine oil yet, now is the perfect time to do it. Oil has a peculiar ability to thicken, when the temperatures are low. This makes it more difficult to turn the engine over since it will take an unusually long period of time to get the oil circulating throughout your engine. That’s why, even before the winter months set in, you should already have your engine oil changed and motor filter replaced.
Check your battery
You need your car battery to perform the initial task of starting the various electronic circuits of your vehicle before it starts. Batteries have a peculiar behaviour where they don’t necessarily operate that normally during cold winter months. Make sure to check its power.
Check your windows and other glass fixtures for cracks in them and fix them
It is inadvertent that small cracks on windows and car lights develop over time, especially when exposed to extremes of weather. Cracks may be small, but the temperature drops can worsen them. Pay close attention to them and have them fixed.
Always keep your fuel tank full
Keeping your fuel tank full prevents moisture that may have accumulated in the fuel pump from freezing.
Taking these few simple steps can ensure optimum performance of your car and ensure you stay safe while driving in winter.
