How Do You Get Your Vehicle Ready For The Winter?

Winter is almost here. Lower temperatures during this time of year can still cause issues with your vehicle. That’s why the right preparation is so important to safeguard your vehicle against cooler temperatures. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure your vehicle is ready for fall and winter. Change Your Oil Your owner’s manual will likely provide a schedule for how often your oil should be changed. However, changing before temperatures drop is a good idea regardless. Using a lower viscosity oil during the winter months is recommended, as thicker oils can have trouble flowing through your engine when temperatures go below a certain threshold. Test Your Battery Cold weather also increases your risk of a dead battery. Lower temperatures deplete battery power at a much faster rate, which means you might find your car unable to start at the most inopportune time. A battery tester is a great tool to have in your arsenal, as it can tell you the current condition of your battery. If you have an older battery with a lot of corrosion, it’s probably time for an update. Have Your Lights Inspected With fall and winter comes shorter days and longer nights. If you have a headlight out, your ability to see in the dark will be compromised. You’ll also have a greater chance of being pulled over and possibly even being ticketed for a traffic violation. Next time you start up your vehicle, have a friend or family member come outside with you for a light check. If there are any burned out bulbs, have them replaced as soon as possible. Schedule a Tune-Up There are many other components of your vehicle that can also be affected by winter weather, including belts and spark plugs. Scheduling a tune-up during fall gives you the big picture on the state of your vehicle. It also allows you to fix any issues before they get worse, and more expensive. Your mechanic can also top off fluids to keep your car running smoothly until next spring. Car-Lotta cares about your safety and well-being, which is why we offer automotive tips on how to properly care for your vehicle. Our core values, which include being trustworthy and hardworking, illustrate our commitment to you.