Before frigid winter starts to set in, it’s important that car owners take the proper steps to care for their vehicles. If you need some assistance, here are a couple helpful tips for preparing your car for the upcoming cold season.
- Check your oil
When the weather gets colder, oil can become thicker, which makes it harder to lubricate your engine. It’s a good idea to bring your car to a service center and have the oil changed and check to ensure it is of a proper viscosity to handle the winter season.
- Test your battery
The cold air can lead to battery corrosion, especially around the terminals. While checking to ensure there’s no excessive corrosion, bring your car to a service center and have it tested to see if it can hold a charge, especially if the battery is more than three years old. You don’t want to get stuck with a dead battery during a snowstorm.
- Monitor your tire pressure
In addition to oil and battery issues, the cold air can also take a toll on your tires. Take a look at your tire pressure on a weekly basis, and don’t forget to fill them up to the proper level whenever possible. Properly inflated tires will give you the right amount of traction to handle slippery/wet roads and are less prone to damage.
- Look at the belts in your engine
Do any of the belts in your engine look faded, stiff, or cracked? During the winter, belts are prone to breaking, so it’s advised that you have them looked at by a reputable service center.
- Assess your windshield wiper blades
When was the last time you had your windshield wipers replaced? Keeping your windshield cleared is absolutely vital, especially when it snows or sleets. Take a proactive approach and look into replacing your wipers and refilling your wiper fluid reservoir before the winter months arrive.
Contact Matthews Motors Clayton for Your Winter Service Needs
Whether you’re buying one of our used cars for sale in Clayton, NC, or bringing yours in, our highly trained service center technicians are here to help you prepare for the winter. Schedule your service with us today.