Paying Attention to These Five Components
Can Keep Your Car Running Smoothly All Winter Long!
New York State is known for its
harsh winters; a season full of biting winds, ice and –plenty of snow. While winter
weather reminds us of the necessary home
maintenance, we can’t
forget about how winter
weather also affects our vehicles.
While winter weather can affect your vehicle in a multitude of ways, there are 5 main components
on your car that are at higher risk of damage during colder weather.
Battery
Car batteries aren’t a fan of the
cold. As temperatures drop, your car battery starts to work harder. If at all
possible, park your car in a garage at night to best protect it from winter
weather. It’s important to know that a car battery older than three years should be replaced by a
professional mechanic. That being said, you should consider having your battery
tested often. Some service centers even offer a battery check for free. You
don’t want to be stuck in a worst-case scenario with a dead battery in the
middle of winter!
Wipers
It’s common for wipers to be replaced
more often during the winter. This is because the cold weather can cause them
to freeze to the
windshield and become damaged. If
there’s an impending storm or if you plan on leaving your car outside
overnight, it’s recommended to either take your wipers off completely or tilt
them upwards to protect them from damage! You might also consider purchasing a frost-guard,
which not only protects your windshield
and wipers from winter weather but also cuts down on
time spent scraping the ice off your windshield. For a simple, DIY deicer
recipe to get you on the road faster on chilly mornings, click
here.
Tires
It’s not uncommon for the tire
pressure light to come on in your vehicle’s dashboard during the winter! In the
cold, tires expand
and contract when driving. Before the winter weather arrives, it’s recommended
to inspect your tire pressure. Improper tire pressure could result in uneven
tread wear or even a flat tire! You
might also consider purchasing snow
tires for added safety during the winter.
Undercarriage, Wheel Wells and Brakes
When considering the science
involved, we know that metal and cold temperatures are not a good match. Metal—like
the metal found in your tires—tends to shrink. Add salt and the other chemicals
typically put down on roads to prevent ice build-up and this can cause damage to
the undercarriage, wheel wells and brakes. Make a point to wash your
car
at least once a month to help remove chemical buildup!
Fluids
Your vehicle’s antifreeze,
transmission fluid and oil will thicken in colder temperatures. When they
thicken, the fluids have a harder time moving through the system and can cause
a malfunction. To help prevent this, it’s recommended to run your car for 10 to
15 minutes to let it warm up, and to top off liquids before the winter weather
hits.
Pro-tip: Keep extra containers of
these liquids, as well as windshield washing fluid in your vehicle in case of
emergency.
Knowing how winter weather
affects your vehicle is essential as you hit the snowy roads. Be proactive and
ensure your vehicle is equipped with a car safety kit. This
could come in handy if caught in
an emergency situation! For additional safety, consider completing an
auto wellness
checkup or contacting
your agent to add Roadside Assistance to your existing policy.
Click the link below to learn
more!
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