Winter may seem like it’s far off but it is approaching quicker than most car owners realize. Getting preparations out of the way before things start to cool down is good practice as a car owner as it can save on costs down the line from repairs that were largely avoidable. The following tips can help alleviate the strain on vehicles as the weather changes and prepare your car for cold weather.
Tire pressure is easy to adjust and should be done when the weather changes, whether it goes from warm to cold or vice versa. Tread should also be checked regularly but especially when preparing your car for the extreme cold. This can be done using the penny test. Depth should be read in 32nds of an inch. New tires usually have 10/32” or 11/32” but when the tire reaches 2/32” in depth, it should be replaced.
Many use a penny by placing the coin between the tread ribs of the tire with President Lincoln’s head pointing down. If the tread covers his head, the tire is fine. If it hits around his hairline, new tires are suggested soon after. If you can see his full head, it is time to get new tires.
To ensure a well-running cooling system, anti-freeze should be replaced every two years at minimum. For those living in colder climates, it could need to be changed a bit more frequently. If you have plans to go skiing or other winter activities in the mountains, anti-freeze should be replaced prior to the trip to account for the drops in temperature.
The health of a battery should be checked while preparing for cold weather as the coldness can wreak havoc on the health of a battery. Recycling batteries is a good way to save on money and lead to better operation of your vehicle overall. Used parts can be a great way to save on regular maintenance and get more life out of your vehicle.
Vehicles should have a tune up going into cold months as preventative measures are always better compared to getting stuck in bad weather. Snowy weather can exasperate small issues and turn a small engine idling issue into a car that won’t move.
When looking over your vehicle, you may find things need to be replaced before the weather cools down. Check out our inventory or contact us today to find how our used parts can save on your car maintenance costs.
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