10 Tips to Prepare Your Car (and Your wallet) for colder weather

Winter is on its way, which means it’s time to start thinking about how to prepare your car for the colder weather. Making a few changes now can help you avoid costly repairs down the road and keep your car running smoothly all winter long. Here are 10 tips to get you started:

1.   Consider an Extended Car Warranty

If you’re like most people, your car is one of your biggest investments. An extended car warranty can help protect your investment and keep you on the road in the event of a breakdown. Endurance car warranty also includes roadside assistance, which can be a lifesaver in the winter cold.

2.   Check Your Battery

As the temperatures start to drop, it’s important to take some extra steps to protect your car. One of the most important things you can do is to check your battery. Cold weather can be hard on batteries, and a weak battery is more likely to cause starting problems. To test your battery, you’ll need a voltmeter.

First, make sure that your car is turned off and the engine is cool. Then, connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to the positive terminal of the battery and the negative lead to the negative terminal.

The reading should be between 12.4 and 12.7 volts. If it’s lower than that, your battery may need to be replaced. By taking some simple precautions, you can help keep your car running smoothly all winter long.

3.   Get Your Tires Checked

Just like you need to get your car’s oil changed regularly and its brakes checked occasionally, your tires also need some TLC to stay in good condition. Check the air pressure in all four tires at least once a month (and more often if you live in an area with drastic temperature changes).

Also, take a look at the tread depth – if it’s getting close to the “wear bars” (indicators molded into the tire that show how much tread is left), it’s time for new tires. Winter weather can be tough on tires, so it’s important to make sure they’re up for the challenge.

In addition to having good tread and being properly inflated, winter tires are made of a different type of rubber compound that stays soft and pliable in cold temperatures, providing better grip on icy or snowy roads. So if you live in an area with severe winter weather, it’s worth investing in a set of winter tires. Taking care of your tires will help keep you safe on the road – and that’s something we can all get behind.

4.   Change Your Oil Regularly

One of the best ways to keep your car running smoothly is to change your oil regularly. Depending on how much you drive, you’ll want to change it anywhere from every 3,000 miles to every 5,000 miles. This simple maintenance task can help prevent major engine issues down the road.

5.   Bring Your Car In For Service

No matter how well you take care of your car, there are some things that only a professional can do. During the winter months, it’s a good idea to bring your car in for service so that any potential issues can be caught and fixed before they become bigger problems. This will help keep your car running smoothly all winter long.

6.   Have an Emergency Kit On Hand

Preparing an emergency kit for your car is always a good idea but it’s especially important in the winter. Make sure it includes items like jumper cables, a flashlight, flares, and warm clothes in case you get stranded somewhere in cold weather.

7.   Know How to Deal With Ice

If you live in an area where snow and ice are common, then it’s important to know how to deal with them safely. When driving in icy conditions, make sure you go slower than usual and give yourself plenty of space between you and other cars on the road. If possible, avoid making sudden stops or turns so that you don’t lose control of your vehicle.

8.   De-Ice Your Windows

One of the most annoying things about winter driving is dealing with frosty windows. To make the process easier (and prevent damage), invest in a good de-icer for your windshield and windows.. You can also try using vinegar as an alternative de-icer.

9.   Keep Your Gas Tank Full

In the winter, it’s a good idea to keep your gas tank at least half full. This will help prevent your fuel line from freezing and will give you some extra gasoline in case you get stranded somewhere.

10.                  Don’t Use Cruise Control

Black ice is one of the most dangerous things you can encounter while driving in the winter. It’s hard to see and can cause you to lose control of your car quickly. If you suspect there might be black ice on the road, slow down and drive with caution.

Using cruise control on slick roads is never a good idea as it can cause you to lose control of your car. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your car is ready for anything this winter throws at it.

By taking care of some simple maintenance tasks and being prepared for anything, you can help ensure that your car runs smoothly all winter long without any unexpected surprises.. Thanks for reading!