No matter what season it is, you will want to drive as safe as possible. This can help you to reach your destination safely and without issues. If you start to notice that your vehicle is making odd noises or smells, make sure to schedule and appointment. This way we can the parts and components of the vehicle to ensure they are working correctly. Between visits there are also some things you can do. This includes checking the tire conditions, and air pressure of the tire. Also make sure to top of the fluid levels in your vehicle. By doing these regularly, you can help keep the vehicle in the best condition possible.
Have Regular Maintenance done Now
If you are not sure when your vehicle should be brought in for a maintenance inspection, make sure to contact us. We can advise you on the recommended schedule based on the parts. It is always best to check the vehicle, before a larger issue occurs. One part to check is the air pressure. You can also bring the vehicle in and we can check the air pressure for you. This is important because the pressure can drop by one pound for every ten degrees of temperature. If you have not checked the tire pressure since the summer, there is a chance the tires are extremely low. Having tires with poor air pressure can result in poor handling, control, and fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Many newer vehicles have tire pressure monitors, which alert you to dangerous changes in tire pressure. Older vehicles do not them and the pressure needs to be checked manually.
Ensure that the Battery can Charge Properly
By bringing the vehicle in, we can inspect the battery, charging system, and belts. As the battery begins to age, it will become less reliable. The charging system will also need to be inspected if you notice an issue with starting the vehicle. If the battery is not getting charged properly, the alternator and other components may need to be inspected. The cold weather and temperatures may start to cause issues with the battery and charging system. This will wear down on the battery. In winter, the engine is harder to start, because the oil is not as fluid as it was in the summer.
Make sure the Vehicle does not Overheat
Make certain the antifreeze will protect your vehicle at the winter temperatures you will experience. If you are not sure if the antifreeze is the best for your vehicle, make sure to bring it in. We can inspect the radiator and fluids for you. This can increase the safety and reliability of the vehicle when you drive. The other function of antifreeze is to keep your cooling system from rusting. The rust inhibitors in antifreeze break down over time and need to be renewed. So, at a minimum, change the engine’s coolant at the interval recommended by your manufacturer. Besides, draining out the coolant and refilling the system also removes dirt and rust particles that can clog up the cooling system and cause problems, regardless of the season.