It's never too early to be prepared - especially for cold winters! With winter just around the corner so are salted streets, icy roads, freezing temperatures, and heavy snow. These tips can help you prepare and maintain your vehicle throughout the winter months.

Get The Right Oil Change

Among other things, your winter service check-up should include an oil change! The oil used should have the right viscosity, or thickness for your vehicle during this time of the year. Oil tends to thicken as it gets colder and if it's too thick it won't do the best job of keeping your engine lubricated. Not sure what type of oil is right for your vehicle? Check your owners manual for guidance on which oil to use in different temperatures!

Check Your Defroster And Heater

Cold days are here and freezing temperatures are right around the corner! Your HVAC system helps to keep you warm while driving, while also reducing the moisture in your vehicle and clears your windows and windshield of fog and ice. Driving without a properly operating HVAC system is not only uncomfortable it can also be dangerous. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your heating system will work. If the heat doesn't feel hot enough, consider making an appointment to have it checked out.

Think About Switching To Snow Tires

Snow tires perform well in all cold weather conditions, ranging from snow and ice to wet and cold roads. They provide enhanced braking performance in snowy and icy conditions and feature a deeper tread pattern, clearing away slush and digging into the snow for better traction. Also, remember not to slam on the brakes if you start to skid on an icy road! Take your foot off the gas and turn into the skid until you come to a complete stop.  

Get Your Vehicle Detailed

This step is not completely necessary but if you're worried about your vehicles paint job it's a good idea! Winter weather can dull your vehicles paint and shine making it susceptible to rust and oxidation. To keep your vehicle clean and protected all winter long make sure to thoroughly wax your car before winter hits. Concentrate on the lower parts of your vehicle such as behind the wheels, quarter panels, and front grille where ice, snow, and salt hit hard and stay the longest! Winter elements can also cause damage to the inside of your vehicle. Tracked-in snow, mud, and slush can enter your car and stain your interior. It may be useful to purchase some winter car mats which can easily be wiped down or removed to prevent messes!

Get The Antifreeze Mixture Just Right

Aim for having a 50/50 mixture and antifreeze and water inside your radiator. This will prevent the mixture from freezing even at ridiculously cold temperatures! It's easy to check the status of your mixture with an inexpensive antifreeze tester, which can be picked up at any auto parts store. If the mixture is off, your cooling system should be drained and refilled or flushed. Also, be sure to dispose of your antifreeze properly if you do this yourself.

Give Your Battery A Little TLC

Cold temperatures means your engine needs more current from the battery in order to start so you'll want to make sure your battery is working properly. Make sure your battery posts and connections are corrosion-free. Check the cables for cracks or breaks. Finally, ask your mechanic to check the battery fluid.

Beef Up Your Car Emergency Kit

If you don't already have an emergency kit in your car, now is the time to do so! Winter can be so unpredictable; so don't wait for the first snowfall to put the ice scraper, de-icer, and snow shovel in the car! Keep an emergency winter kit in your trunk in case of an accident or bad weather situation. Some recommended items to keep packed include a small first aid kit, flashlight, road flares, blanket, gloves, and jump cables.

Keep Your Gas Tank Filled

Cold weather can cause condensation to form in an empty or near empty gas tank. That water can drip down into your gas, sink to the bottom, and travel into your fuel lines. During the winter it can freeze in your fuel lines and block the flow of gas to your engine! A good rule of thumb is to keep your tank at least 1/4 - 1/2 way full at times.

Make Sure You Can See

A common mistake is forgetting to replace your windshield wipers. You should replace your wipers every 6-12 months depending on wear and tear. It may be worthwhile investing in some winter wiper blades as they have a sturdier frame that won't freeze with ice and protects the wipers' mechanism. Be sure to replace them before the first big snow storm of the season hits! Regular fluids just won't cut it in the freezing temperatures. Make sure to buy a good washer fluid with antifreeze solution! Buying a winter formula will help prevent freeze-up in the lines, nozzles, and on your windshield.

Gear Up With Lia

Maintaining your vehicle to prepare and get through the winter months is relatively simple and can mostly be done yourself! However if you need assistance, The Lia Auto Group offers twenty two locations to conveniently service your vehicle across New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut. To schedule your auto maintenance and repairs with Lia click here. We're ready to assist you with all your winter vehicle needs.