Car breakdowns are a common occurrence during winter when cold weather and icy roads can take a toll on your vehicle. To avoid being stranded in the cold, it’s important to take some preventative measures.
Winter is a time when many people experience car breakdowns. This can be a frustrating and costly experience. However, there are some things that you can do to help avoid car breakdowns during winter.
First, make sure your car is in good working order by getting it serviced regularly. This will help to identify any potential issues that could cause problems down the road. Second, keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid freezing. And finally, be sure to pack an emergency kit with blankets, food, and water in case you do end up stranded. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that you’ll make it through winter without any car trouble.
Check your car regularly by following the steps below:
1. Check All Fluid Levels
How’s your antifreeze? What about your power steering and brake fluids? Is your oil leaking? You could depend on your mechanic to tell you that your car’s lacking fluids, you could wait until a leak causes you serious trouble or you could take charge and find out for yourself. If you notice that a reservoir seems low, ask your mechanic what to do.
2. Battery Checkup Time
Cold weather takes a toll on car batteries. You can’t check your battery fluid level, but you can visit a mechanic to have your battery tested.
Most batteries last for about five years. Your mechanic can give you an idea of how much useful life is left in your battery, and you can decide whether you want to replace it or wait a little longer. Either way, make sure you carry jumper cables along with you.
3. Test the Heating System
A heated car may not help prevent a breakdown, but it will make it a bit more comfortable when the frigid winter sets in. And one component of the heating system — the windshield defroster — will help clear your view.
Visibility is vital to safe winter driving, and the time to deal with a broken defroster is when doing fall car maintenance — before it’s needed for safety.
4. Take a Look at Tire Tread
Are your tires past their prime? Take a penny and insert it into the tire tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If the tread covers at least part of his head, you still have more than 2/32 inches of tread remaining, which is within the safe, legal limit. Once the tread doesn’t touch Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires.
5. Check Your Brakes
Fall car maintenance has to include an in-depth examination of the braking system, one of the most important systems with regard to your safety. Have your mechanic check brake pad wear and make sure your fluid lines don’t leak and your rotors aren’t warped.
If you want to avoid car breakdowns during winter, it’s important to take some preventative steps. Here are a few things you can do to help keep your car on the road this winter season. First and foremost, make sure your vehicle is properly prepared for cold weather conditions by checking the antifreeze level, windshield wipers, and tires. Be sure to also pack an emergency kit with supplies like blankets, food, water, and a first-aid kit in case you get stranded.
And finally, always drive according to the weather conditions and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Contact us today if you have any other questions about preparing your car for winter or need help getting your vehicle serviced. We’re here to help!