As the weather changes, your car’s functionality may change too. To ensure your car maintains its fuel efficiency, performance, and safety, you must take the proper steps to winterize your vehicle. In this article, we highlight eight tips for winterizing your car.
According to the experts at Car Care Council, the best time to think about winterizing your car is at the start or in the middle of the fall season. Fall is the best time of the year for winterizing your car because it is before temperatures drop and stay low for months at a time.
Your engine relies on oil to run smoothly. When the weather gets cold, oil can thicken and gunk can affect the performance of your vehicle. Your car may need a different type of oil in the winter months to maintain optimal operation. Therefore, opt for a high-quality, winter-friendly oil to keep your engine running efficiently.
At the end of summer or the beginning of fall, check your tire pressure regularly as part of your maintenance routine. When the weather gets cold, the pressure in your tires can drop, reducing your traction on slick roads. It is vital that you keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure to ensure safe driving.
If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, consider switching your current set of tires for winter tires. Snow tires are designed to stay flexible in winter weather. This helps ensure the snow tires grip the road more effectively in the event of any inclement weather. If you don’t want to switch over to snow tires, make sure you have snow chains that are in good condition and you know how to use them.
