Winter is here, and with it comes icy roads, chilly mornings, and a little extra effort to keep your car in tip-top shape. Don’t worry, though—these simple tips will help you tackle winter car maintenance like a pro and avoid chilly roadside surprises.
Check Your Tire Pressure
As temperatures drop, so does your tire pressure. Did you know that for every 10°F drop, your tires can lose about 1 PSI? This might not sound like much, but underinflated tires can affect your steering and stability—not ideal on slippery roads.
What to do: Grab a tire pressure gauge and check your tires regularly. Make sure they’re inflated to the recommended level, which you can find in your owner’s manual or on the driver’s door frame.
Pro Tip: Properly inflated tires improve traction, fuel efficiency, and overall safety.
Let Your Engine Warm Up
On frosty mornings, patience is your best friend. Giving your engine time to warm up helps important fluids like oil and transmission fluid circulate and lubricate moving parts.
How long to wait: About 10-15 minutes should do the trick, especially in very cold weather.
Why it matters: Warming up your car reduces wear on engine components and can save you from costly repairs later.
Check Your Coolant (Antifreeze)
Your engine’s coolant is critical for preventing it from freezing or overheating. Over time, the mixture can degrade, and if it’s not up to par, it could freeze during those icy nights.
What to check: Have your coolant levels and mixture inspected by a professional to ensure your system is ready for winter.
Why it matters: Improper coolant can lead to frozen radiators, leaks, poor heater performance, and severe engine damage.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Winter weather can be unpredictable, and it’s always better to be prepared. A little planning can go a long way if you find yourself stuck on the side of the road.
What to pack:
A flashlight with extra batteries.
A heavy blanket, warm hat, and gloves.
LED road flares or emergency lights.
Jumper cables and a small toolkit.
Pro Tip: You can find reliable LED road flares here.
Stay Safe and Warm This Winter
Winter car maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated. Following these tips will keep your vehicle running smoothly and stay safer on the road. Need a little extra help? The Car People LLC is here to ensure your car is winter-ready.
Schedule Your Winter Maintenance Service Today in Nashville or Murfreesboro