Pre-Winter Car Maintenance
Winter is almost here, is your car ready to brave any storm that comes its way? It is highly likely that your vehicle needs some pre-winter maintenance to get it through the cold months ahead. Here are a few preventative maintenance tips to do before the first big freeze of the season.
Change Out Your Wiper Blades
Summer monsoon came and went which means your wiper blades may have seen better days. It is important to change out wiper blades frequently especially at the start of every winter. Harsh climates can seriously effect a pair of wiper blades. When bad weather comes your way it is key to have a pair of new rubber winter blades to help fend off ice build-up throughout the night.
To make sure your windshield is ready to take on the ice, stock up on wiper fluid to quickly dissolve ice in a hurry.
Flush Out the HVAC System
Check your manual to see when an HVAC flush is recommended. If you have never flushed your HVAC system, you’ll want to do so before the winter comes. A clean HVAC will make life much more comfortable during the winter season. It will allow your heater to me more effective in a shorter amount of time so you won’t have to worry about freezing in your vehicle while it warms up.
Check Your Tires
Tires are an integral part of driving in winter conditions. If your car has bad tires, you could be putting yourself at risk of tire blowouts or skidding on black ice. To ensure your safety throughout the chilly months, get your tires check by a professional. If you need to replace them, get a set of tires that will be effective with the winter climate in your area. This can be a pricey venture, but it’s worth it in the long run.
Fill your Tank with Deicer
If you live in an area where winter climates get frosty and frozen, be sure to throw in a bottle of fuel deicer in your tank. The deicer will keep your fuel running smoothly without any unsuspected fuel line ice-ups. Deicer is available at most car maintenance stores, but if you have never used the product before, be sure to ask a professional.
Check your Brakes
Having a bad set of tires can be harmful, but nothing is worse than a bad set of tires and a bad set of brakes. Black ice can form on roads throughout the winter and you’ll want to be sure your car is able to get through it without fail. Now, it is advised to not hit the brakes hard when you come into contact with a patch of black ice, but when brakes are necessary a good set will come in handy.
Keep an Emergency Kit
Emergencies can strike at anytime so it is important to be prepared for anything. Stock your car up with a box filled with extra gloves, emergency blankets, flashlights, batteries, non-perishables, a shovel and some gravel. Take a look online for east DIY winter emergency kits to keep you and your family safe.
(Life hack: if you can’t get a bag of gravel, kitty litter works just as well.)
Stay safe this winter, get your vehicle prepared for any scenario life throws your way. Preventative maintenance does not only save you money, but it can save your life and that’s what truly matters. You can count on McKinney to take the best care of your automotive maintenance needs. Call us today (505) 298-6734 to schedule an appointment and stay safely on the road.
