The verdict is in, folks: we still have a few more weeks of winter left – at least, according to Punxsutawney Phil. Motorists in Montour County, Pennsylvania, are used to harsh winters. Ice, sleet, cold rain, and snow can wreak havoc on your vehicle if it’s not properly maintained. Preventative maintenance, such as getting your tires checked, will offer you the best defense against cold, harsh winters in Montour County and around Pennsylvania.
Types of Preventative Maintenance
Unfortunately, when it comes to vehicle maintenance, many motorists schedule an appointment with their auto repair shop after the problem has already occurred. This is why it is incredibly important to perform preventive maintenance on your vehicle regularly to keep your car running as smoothly as possible and prevent emergency situations. Here are a few of the things you can do to keep your car prepared for a cold winter.
Get Your Tires Changed
Out of everything, your tires see the most action since they are constantly touching the road you’re driving on. Because of this, tires are prone to wearing down. Check the tread on your tires. The more worn-out your tread is, the tougher it will be for your tires to grip the road. This is especially true in icy conditions. You should also make sure that your tires are properly filled. When you’re getting your tires replaced, it’s a great time to make sure your alignment is okay. If your tires wear out unevenly, that could lead to your alignment needing adjustment.
Make Sure Your Fluids Are Topped Off
There are a variety of fluids in your car that serve several different purposes. You should check your wiper fluid, antifreeze, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. You can ensure that your car is running smoothly and that you’re not going to run out of any of these any time soon. It also wouldn’t be a bad idea to get an oil change at this point. An oil change will keep your engine running smoothly. Getting one before the light on your dashboard comes on ensures that you don’t have to rush to your nearest garage when it happens.
Get the Battery Checked Out
Having new tires and topped-off fluids are essential things you should do when preparing your vehicle for the winter, but none of that matters if you don’t have the battery to power all of it. The last thing you want is for your car to get stranded in the middle of nowhere or not be able to start in the middle of the cold winter. Inspect your battery for rust or mineral buildup on the terminals, and consider getting your battery tested if needed. Replace the battery if need be. The battery not only powers the car, but it’s essential for every function of your car that you’ll need in the wintertime, including the windshield wipers, running the heater and defroster, powering lights, and keeping your radio working for traffic and weather updates.
Make Sure Your Heater Works
This next one seems like a bit of a no-brainer for the winter months, but make sure your heater works. If it doesn’t work, take it to someone immediately to get it fixed. The last thing you want is to be driving around in freezing-cold conditions while the heat in your car isn’t working. While something like that might not bother you for quick trips, consider being stuck with no heat for something longer – or worse, being stranded somewhere with no heat. Getting your heater fixed is more than taking care of a minor inconvenience. You’re taking a preventative measure in case something more serious happens.
Check The Outside of Your Car
Not everything you should do to prep your car takes place under the hood. It’s recommended that in order to provide clarity for your headlights, you clean them off and replace any bulbs that might need to be swapped out. This is also a great time to inspect your windshield wipers. If they’re worn down or dried out, replace them with new wipers. This ensures that you can easily maintain visibility on the road, especially during a snowfall. One last thing you can do from home is when an especially icy day is expected, grab some cooking spray. The afternoon before, spray the rubber lining inside your car door. This will actually help your car doors from freezing shut in cold temperatures, allowing you easier access to the inside of your car after an especially cold temperature drop.
Keep Your Gas Tank At Least Half Full
There are two very good reasons you should keep your gas tank at least half full at all times in the winter. First, the last thing you want is for your car to run out of gas. It could leave you stranded at the side of the road in the cold. The second reason is a bit more practical but just as important. Keeping your gas tank at least half full prevents the gas lines from freezing over.
Keep Your Windows Clear
No one likes going out to the car before they have to leave for work to scrape ice off of a windshield or sweep snow off of the top of their car. However, it’s important to do both of these things. Keep a snowbrush and ice scraper in your car to provide you with the proper visibility while driving. You can also sweep off any snow that may fall off. Otherwise, it could cause a driving hazard for other drivers on the road.
Help Your Car Tackle the Winter Season By Getting Preventative Maintenance from George Automotive Services
George Automotive Services in Danville, PA, can get your car ready for winter by providing preventative maintenance. We always give you an estimated time of completion so you can plan your day accordingly. Your satisfaction is our guarantee. We want our shop to become your go-to for all of your automotive needs. Call us today at (570) 559-3677 to schedule an appointment.
