10 Steps To Prepare Your Vehicle for the Winter
Franklin, TN Automotive Experts | Heaven Sent Automotive • January 9, 2024
When preparing for winter in Tennessee, it's essential to ensure your vehicle is well-maintained for safe travels. Maintenance and auto repairs need to be performed throughout the year, but your vehicle needs a bit more thought in winter. Proper winter car care can prevent a breakdown or even an accident. Here is a list of helpful tips to ensure you’re safe on the road during the winter months:
- Battery Check: Cold weather makes it harder for an engine to turn over and has a negative impact on the power a battery can deliver. Test your car's battery, and make sure there is no corrosion on the terminals. If your battery is old, consider a battery replacement.
- Lights and Signals: Check and maintain your headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights, ensuring safe visibility. Any burnt-out bulbs should be promptly replaced, preventing compromised visibility in adverse conditions.
- Windshield Wipers and Fluid: Many drivers discover their windshield wiper blades need replacing and they are out of windshield wiper fluid when they cannot see out their windshield. Having new wiper blades and enough wiper fluid is crucial to keeping your windshield free of ice, snow, salt, brine, and mud. Make sure you have a good quality ice scraper and brush in your car.
- Coolant/Antifreeze Levels: In winter, the Coolant/Antifreeze lowers the freezing point and prevents freeze-up, which could crack an engine block. The Coolant also contains anticorrosion agents which prevent build up in the Radiator and Heater Core, which is essential to keeping your passengers warm. It’s very important to make sure the Cooling System is in good working order for winter driving.
- Heater and Defroster: The heater and defroster need to be in good working condition for comfort and visibility. Your air conditioner needs to be functional as well to ensure proper defrost operation to prevent your windows from fogging up.
- Tire Inspection: It is important to check that your tires are properly inflated for winter conditions. Cold weather causes air pressure in your tires to drop at approximately 1 PSI per 10 degrees. Therefore, you should monitor your tire pressure at least once a month, and make sure that you let your tires cool down before checking the pressure. Remember to check your tires, including the spare, for any damage or conditions that may need attention: the tread and sidewalls for any cuts, punctures, bulges, scrapes, cracks, or bumps.
- Check Your Belts And Hoses: Your belts and hoses tend to weaken and get brittle in cold temperatures. Belts and hoses are important in keeping your engine running. You can prepare by checking all belts and hoses for cracks or signs of wear and tear.
- Brake System: Road conditions may become hazardous in the winter. Have your brakes inspected for sufficient fluid and check the brakes pad for wear and tear. Your brakes need to be in optimal working condition at all times.
- Engine Oil: Make sure to check your oil levels and condition. Cold weather tends to thicken oil and reduce its ability to circulate through the engine, so make sure that you have fresh oil to keep your car running smoothly. Check your owner's manual for specific recommendations.
- Emergency Kit: To prevent a dangerous situation if you break down, be sure to have an emergency kit in your vehicle, including blankets, water, flashlight and a portable charger. You should always keep an emergency kit in your car in case you are stranded and need to wait for assistance.
And last but not least, remember to keep your gas tank at least half full in freezing and cold temperatures!
By following these tips and ensuring your vehicle is serviced at a reliable shop like Heavensent Automotive in Franklin, you can confidently prepare for the unique winter conditions of the region. This preparation will make your travel safer and more enjoyable, whether you're navigating the busy streets, taking your kids to and from school and activities, or exploring the area.
Schedule an appointment today for our mechanics to inspect your vehicle and get you prepared for this winter season!
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