Picture this: You’re rushing to work one morning after a huge snowstorm. You get in your car and try turning on the ignition. Your car rattles and feigns some sign of life. But no matter what you do, your car just won’t start. Now your car is dead, you’re late for work, and you’re scrambling to call AAA. Talk about waking up on the wrong side of the bed.
Wind, snow, and extreme cold can cause your car’s performance to break down during the winter months. Freehold, Farmingdale, and Manalapan are prone to harsh weather conditions, so it might be a good idea to winterize your car before the next polar vortex hits.
Here are some ways you can get your car ready for winter.
1. Maintain Your Battery’s Health
A car’s battery loses approximately 60% of its strength at 0°F and up to 35% of its strength at 32°F, according to AAA. That’s why it’s important to check your battery regularly during winter.
Take it from us: Don’t let this happen to you. Make sure that you stop by your mechanic throughout winter to confirm that your battery is up to snuff.
2. Add Antifreeze to Your Cooling System
Generally, you should clean, flush, or add new antifreeze every two years. We still recommend checking your antifreeze levels before winter starts.
3. Check Heater, Wipers, and Defrosters
Wiper blades should be changed every six months, but we advise that you invest in new ones before the winter cold sets in. Specialized winter wiper blades are available and may be a good investment if you live somewhere with heavy snowfall.
4. Regularly Check Your Tires
Check your tire pressure and tread depth on a weekly basis in the winter. If you live in an area prone to snow and ice storms, consider purchasing special tires with extra traction to maintain control on slippery roadways.
5. Maintain Oil Level
You can’t be too careful with your car’s oil level during the winter. Change your oil and its filter at recommended intervals can keep your car running smoothly throughout the winter. If you live in an area where temperatures fall below freezing, using a thinner oil puts less stress on your engine.
6. Tune Your Engine
Make sure that you tune your engine before winter starts. Cold weather magnifies any existing problems your engine has, and tuning it will maintain an optimal performance.
7. Check Your Brake System
Your car brakes are the most important safety feature on your car. Make sure that they’re working properly before winter to maintain control over slippery roadways.
8. Check for Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Make sure that your exhaust system doesn’t have any leaks. Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous during the winter when most people are driving with their windows closed.
9. Check Your Lights
During inclement winter weather, you’re going to need your interior and exterior lights to increase visibility during snow and ice storms. Make sure that they work properly.
Staying on Top of Winter Maintenance
If you aren’t careful, your car could take a beating this winter. Wind, snow, sleet, and ice can take a toll on your vehicle, especially after a bad storm in Freehold, Farmingdale, and Manalapan. Winterizing your car with Freehold Subaru’s service center reaps huge benefits in the long run and could prevent your vehicle from breaking down when conditions get too harsh.
