Frigid temperatures are right around the corner for residents of Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. That means it’s time to ensure your vehicle is ready to withstand the cold weather. You can reduce the risks of a breakdown with a little proactive maintenance.
On that note, here are a few winter prep tips from the experts at Van Wyk Auto:
Check Your Antifreeze Levels
Your engine produces a ton of heat. But if its cooling system only relied on water, it would freeze up during the winter. Antifreeze for cars, also known as coolant, prevents the water in your cooling system from freezing over. Low antifreeze levels, therefore, can cause serious damage, so make it a priority to check and top them off as needed.
You can check your vehicle’s antifreeze levels by simply locating the coolant reservoir in its engine bay. It should have a bright color for easy identification. If the coolant level is below the minimum line, add some until the reservoir reaches the right level. While you’re at it, check out other important fluid levels like oil and transmission fluid.
Test Your Battery Health
For a car battery, cold weather can wreak havoc. If temperatures dip below freezing, an already weak battery might not have enough power to get your car running at all. With that in mind, we suggest having your battery tested before winter arrives.
Van Wyk Auto offers testing services and can take care of any necessary repairs or battery replacement issues. We can also ensure your starter and alternator are working appropriately.
Monitor Your Tire Pressure
Discovering that your tire pressure light is on during a particularly cold morning is perfectly normal. Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop. But particularly low pressure can lead to reduced traction and uneven tire wear.
The good news is that fixing your tire pressure is quick and easy. Most local gas stations have air compressors with tire pressure gauges. Use the gauge to check your tire pressure. You can find the recommended pressure on the sidewall of your tires. From there, all you’ll need to do is add the appropriate amount of air to each tire, and the tire pressure light should go off.
Switch to Winter Tires
If you know you’ll be driving on icy roads often, you may want to switch to snow tires. Winter tires, as they’re also called, have softer rubber compounds and maintain better flexibility in freezing temperatures, thus providing improved handling and safety.
Van Wyk Auto offers a range of tire services to keep you safe while traveling on icy roads.
Inspect Your Heating System
The last thing you want is to have your heater fail during the dead of winter. A faulty heater won’t just make your car uncomfortable, either. It can also be dangerous. Your vehicle uses its heating system to defrost the windshield and maintain your visibility during cold weather.
If it isn’t working properly, you need to get the heating system fixed right away. Bring your vehicle into the Van Wyk Auto team. Our experienced technicians will get to the bottom of the problem and have your heating system fixed in no time. And once the warmer weather returns, you can count on us for your car AC repairs, too.
Examine Belts and Hoses
Cold weather can cause the belts and hoses on your car to become brittle and more prone to cracking. It’s important to inspect them regularly to ensure they’re in good condition. Look for signs of wear, such as loosening, and listen for odd noises like squealing or screeching. If you think there’s an issue with your belts and hoses, take your car in for service right away.
Don’t Let Cold Weather Leave You Stranded — Call Van Wyk Auto
Van Wyk Auto proudly helps drivers throughout Sheboygan County stay on the road throughout every season. We offer a wide range of car services, including cheap car battery replacements, snow chains, leak detection and repair, and more. Contact Van Wyk Auto and let one of our skilled technicians prep your car for winter.