Depending on the season of year, we adjust our clothing to the weather conditions and temperatures. Most people wouldn’t wear shorts and flip-flops when it’s cold and snowing outside (there is always that exception to the rule 😉). The same holds true for your vehicle. Harsh, cold weather can take its toll on vehicle systems. That’s why it’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready to handle New Jersey’s winter weather conditions. By doing these 5 things, you can avoid some of the more common problems that occur with vehicles during the winter months.
- How old is your vehicle battery? It’s probably happened to you at one time in your life… you go out to start your vehicle to find that the battery is dead. Cold winter days place an added strain on older car batteries. If your battery is approaching 4 years of age, you may want to consider replacing it soon before you end up stranded on a cold winter morning. We can always test the battery for you.
- How’s the antifreeze? If it’s been a while since you have had the antifreeze flushed and replaced, you will want to schedule a cooling system service as soon as possible. The antifreeze should be able to protect your cooling system down to -34 degrees. It should also have the proper pH so it can protect vital engine parts from rush and corrosion. Not doing so puts your vehicle at risk of overheating or having the coolant freeze – either way, serious engine damage can result. We can test the condition of the antifreeze to let you know if it has adequate protection to make it through the winter months.
- Do you regularly check your tires? Even though your vehicle is likely equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, the tire air pressure should be checked at least once a month. If/when the light comes on, your vehicle’s tires are quite under-inflated. That’s dangerous to you and your passengers. When checking the tire pressure, don’t forget to look at the tires to see if they are showing signs of extra wear and tear. Are they wearing evenly or are some of the tires wearing more than others or showing signs of wear on certain sides of the tire. Is there enough tire tread depth to grip the road? If you find you need new tires, give us a call. We can help you select the right tires for your vehicle and your budget.
- How are the wiper blades and is there enough windshield wiper fluid? Wiper blades should be changed in the fall and spring. Also, make sure the windshield wiper fluid is topped off (we can do this for you when you come in for service) and carry an extra bottle of fluid in your vehicle.
- How low do you allow the gas gauge to go before you fill your tank? Running the gas tank down to empty can cause a lot of problems. First, sludge that is in the tank will make its way to vital engine parts causing problems with your fuel system and engine performance. Also, moisture in the air can cause any water in the gasoline to freeze in the fuel lines. In the wintertime, it’s a good practice to make sure you have at least half a tank of gas.
The best way to avoid common winter car problems and to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter is to have it serviced right now at Luke’s Auto Service in Verona, NJ.