It's time to start thinking about winter and how to prepare your vehicle for cold weather. From battery checks to HVAC services and winter tires, getting your car ready for the cold weather can help ensure that your travels are safe and comfortable. We are happy to assist you at our service center! Let's look at some of the essential winter services you should consider.
Battery Checks
The cold weather strains your car battery, so it's essential to ensure it is in good working condition before the temperature drops too low. Have a professional check the battery voltage and ensure the connections are clean and corrosion-free. If your battery is more than three years old, replace it before you head out on any road trips this winter.
HVAC Services
Your vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system should also get checked before temperatures drop too far. A technician will check all the hoses, belts, and other parts of the system to ensure no leaks or other potential issues that could arise during colder months. An HVAC service can help prevent problems when you need heat on drives around Newburgh or defrosting capabilities when out around Carmel!
Winter Tires
Another critical element of cold weather preparedness is installing winter tires on your vehicle. Regular all-season tires don't provide enough traction when the snow starts falling or roads become icy. Winter tires have specialized treads explicitly designed for those conditions. When shopping for new tires, look specifically for ones labeled as "winter tires," which are made with softer rubber compounds that remain flexible even in freezing temperatures, unlike regular all-season tires, which harden up and lose traction when temps drop too low.
Checking Fluids
One of the most important things you can do when preparing your vehicle for winter weather is to check all your fluids. The most important fluid to check is the antifreeze/coolant. You'll want to ensure enough coolant in the radiator so that its level stays above half full, or else you may run into problems with freezing temperatures. It's also essential to check and top off other fluids such as brake fluid, oil, power steering fluid, window washer fluid, and transmission fluid.
The oil should also be checked and changed, as colder temperatures can cause it to thicken up and lose its lubricating capabilities. If your oil is more than three months old, it's a good idea to change it so that you don't run into any issues during the winter.
Safety Systems
In addition to checking fluids, it's also important to inspect your safety systems, such as brakes, wipers, lights, windshields, and tires. For brakes and wipers, make sure they are functioning properly and replace them if necessary. Our team can check lights for proper visibility in both the front and rear and replace any bulbs that may need replacing.
Make sure windshields are free of cracks or chips since exposure to extreme cold could cause existing damage to spread further into the glass, making repair more difficult or even impossible. Lastly, check tires for adequate tread depth; you want them at least 4/32 inches deep to provide good traction during wet weather conditions around Wappingers Falls.
Accessories
The last step when getting ready for winter travel is considering accessories such as steering wheel covers, seat covers, remote starters, etc., which can help keep you warm while driving in cold weather around Hopewell Junction. These items will help ensure a comfortable ride no matter what kind of winter conditions you encounter on the road!
These are just some services you should consider when preparing your vehicle for winter weather. It's important to remember that proper maintenance can help prevent costly repairs down the road so don't make sure to schedule an appointment before the last minute! You can rest assured that we will prepare your car or truck for whatever winter throws your way.
You can save on car maintenance thanks to our service specials. Make sure you contact us to learn more!