Winter is a harsh time for your vehicle. Between the slippery road conditions and the ice-melting chemicals used on the roadways, the season can really take a toll on your ride. Fortunately, you can do things to care for your car during winter that will help it look and run its best. Read on to discover ways to care for your vehicle during the cold winter months.
In a winter storm, having good windshield wipers can literally be a lifesaver. Ensuring that your windshield wipers are effective at keeping rain and snow off your windshield so that you can see the road clearly is important. Do not use your windshield wipers to scrape ice off of the windshield, as this will damage the blades, making them less effective when you need them. Clean any ice off the blades before you turn them on to ensure there’s no damage to the blades or your windshield.
If you frequently drive in snowy, icy conditions during the winter, investing in a good set of snow tires might not be a bad idea. Having the right amount of grip on the road can help your vehicle maintain contact with the road. Even if you don’t opt for snow tires, it’s important to have tires with good tread depth when driving in less-than-ideal road conditions. Before winter hits, check your tires’ tread. If they’re getting bald, have them replaced as soon as possible, for your safety and the safety of others on the road with you.
Your vehicle’s paint job can suffer greatly during the winter. The salt and other chemicals used on the road to prevent ice and snow buildup get on the exterior of your vehicle and eat away at the paint. Wintry road hazards can also cause chips and scratches on your car. While it may be hard to wash your car when the weather’s bad, doing so is important if you want to keep it looking new. Getting the salt and other chemicals off your car as soon as possible ensures the paint job continues to shine long into the future.
Make sure you check your battery frequently during the winter. When the temperature drops, your battery has to work harder to keep your car charged. Oftentimes, corrosion can occur on the terminals where your car is connected to the battery. Keep these clean and free of corrosion to ensure a good connection between your car and your battery.
From the oil to the antifreeze, your vehicle needs fluids to run properly. Make sure that you keep all fluids topped off, especially during the winter when your vehicle is working harder to keep you safe and warm as you travel. If you notice any of the fluids are low or need to be changed, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your trusted dealership.
Use these tips to help you care for your car during winter. If you have any questions about how to best care for your car when the weather gets bad, contact the team at Priority Toyota Hampton – we’re always happy to help however we can!
