Winter is upon us, Northwest Indiana, and Reeder’s Auto Service Center in Portage has tome tips to help keep your car in tip-top shape in the harshest winter weather. There is no other season that can take quite as much of a toll on your beloved vehicle than winter, so, following these steps can be the difference between a serious headache and making it through the season prepared. Let Reeder’s guide you through the upcoming months of snow and ice with these steps on auto-safety:
Checking Fluids:
Oil – Switching to a thinner oil can be a big help when temperatures drop below freezing, but always consult your owner’s manual or talk to your mechanic.
Wiper Fluid – This might not be the most vital thing that comes to mind when you think of ways to maintain your vehicle, but it can be very important when debris, ice, and salt are obscuring your vision during the winter
Coolant – This can be especially important to make sure you have the correct mixture in order to prevent fluid from freezing to the radiator.
Tires:
Inspect – It is very important to be certain that your tire pressure is at the owner’s manual recommended PSI. If your tires have low pressure or worn treads, they can be very dangerous on the slick, icy roads that are so prevalent in winter and reduce traction when it is needed most.
Replace - Depending on where you live is might be advantageous to have all-season tires which can see you through the winter and allow you to drive on them all year round. If you live in the country, winter tires might be something worth considering to get you through the tough terrain.
Battery – Believe it or not, your car battery capacity is reduced in cold weather. You should check the manufacture date of your battery to see if you may need to start looking for a new one and make sure the terminals are firmly connected to the cables.
Emergency Kit – This is a good thing to have in any season, but is especially vital in the winter time when temperature extremes can be dangerous. You should have a blanket, flashlight, spare gloves, hat, ice scraper, small shovel, nonperishable snacks, water, flares, jack, lug wrench, extra antifreeze, jumper cables, and first aid kit.
Other things that can help include keeping your tank at least half full to lower the chances of being stranded somewhere and, above all, taking your vehicle in for regular maintenance to a trusted mechanic like Reeder’s. Getting a good hold on what changes or care your car might need from experts like the ones at Reeder’s can make all the difference in the harsh winter environment. Take these tips to heart and make your winter season a little easier and, above all, safer!