As the seasons transition into cooler weather, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is free of common car problems. You don’t want to be stuck on the road, and this can happen because of simple issues like a dead battery or flat tire.
To help you, we’ve put together some quick tips for vehicle safety in cold weather. These strategies will improve car safety and reliability. Our list of seasonal car tips includes several simple tasks.
Check Your Battery
Your car’s battery is important, but it can lose its ability to hold a charge in cold weather. In turn, your vehicle might struggle to start.
We suggest having a professional mechanic inspect your battery’s condition before the temperatures drop. They can give you an estimate of how long the battery has left in its life and make sure it’s charging like it should. You’ll need to perform a car battery replacement every three to five years.
Swap Out Wiper Blades
Sheboygan County experiences more frequent rain during the fall. As a result, your wiper blades will be working overtime. Make sure they are in good condition so you can maintain adequate visibility during wet and foggy days.
Check for signs of wear, like cracks or stiffness. You can also activate your windshield washer nozzle and see how well your blades clear away the moisture. If they streak up the glass or make an unpleasant noise, you probably need new wipers.
For better performing windshield wipers, consider installing beam blades instead of conventional blades.
Inspect Your Tires
Changes in temperature can affect your air pressure, triggering your tire pressure light. If your tire pressure gets too low, it could affect your car’s handling, fuel, and stopping ability in snow and ice. Pay close attention to the tire pressure indicator on your dash, and add some air if the light comes on.
You should also check the amount of tread on your tires. Worn tires can make it hard to stop on icy or wet streets.
You can check your tread with the penny test. Insert a penny into your tread and make sure Lincoln’s head is upside down. If you can see all or most of his head, you probably need new tires.
Make Sure Your Heat Works
Is your car’s heater not working? If you have lived through a cold winter in Sheboygan, you know it is tough. You really need your heater to stay warm. Check out your car’s heating system to make sure it works adequately.
If you aren’t sure about how to inspect your heating system, Van Wyk Auto can help. Our experienced technicians can determine whether your heat and AC systems are working properly. If something’s wrong, we will get it fixed fast.
Check Fluid Levels
Fall is a great time to check and top off any important fluids. Pop the hood and check your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and power steering fluid.
If any of the gauges indicate these fluids are low, top them off. Make sure you use the right product for your vehicle. Adding the wrong fluid could cause major mechanical problems.
Other Fall Vehicle Care Tips
Here are a few more cold weather vehicle tips to help you prep for fall:
• Inspect your headlights and taillights
• Clean your car to remove any debris like dirt or leaves
• Check your battery’s alternator and starter
If you need a hand with these or any other regular maintenance, Van Wyk Auto is here to step in and save the day.
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