Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Winterizing your Car

Are you Ready?
Leaves are falling and the weather is turning cold. A busy time time of the year. Cleaning up the yard, cleaning the sides of the house and cleaning out the gutters.  Checking the heat pump and all the filters in the house. Getting out all of our sweaters and jackets from the back closet and pulling out the boots. Getting your house ready for the holidays to come.
Now..... What about your car(s)? They need to be ready for the Winter as well.


Get your Car ready for this Winter, to avoid breakdowns:
  •  Battery Check - Will it start...? Colder weather is tough on your car's battery.During cold weather, your engine requires more current from the battery in order to get the engine started. More power requirements combined with less power output makes for a car that won't start on a cold winter morning. Have a mechanic run a battery load test to see if you need to replace the battery. Also check to make sure that your posts and connections are clean and corrosion free.
  • Check your wiper blades and windshield wiper fluid. Wiper blades on average are only good for a year.Fill your wiper fluid reservoir with a brand that has a low-freeze-point ( usually yellow). The normal blue stuff will slush-up and freeze on your windows if it gets real cold, which will make visibility much worse while you are driving.
  • Check your tire pressure. Cold weather causes air pressure in your tires to drop. For every 10 degree drop in temperature, your tire pressure drops 1 psi.   Properly inflated tires ensures the best possible contact between your tires and the road.
  • 4-Wheel Drive? Make sure that your 4WD is working properly. 4WD has to be used occasionally to stay in working order. Have the fluid levels checked to help ensure that the gears and transmission will engage properly and fully. 
  • Check your anti-freeze. This is really important. Make sure that you are 50% water and 50% anti-freeze. This is necessary to prevent your radiator from freezing up.
  • Check Belts and Hoses. Cold weather is hard on rubber elements. Check these to be sure that there are not any signs of wear and tear. If so get them replaced. If a belt snaps while you are driving or a hose springs a leak, you will be stranded. Waiting for a tow truck or a ride when the weather is cold, is no fun.

These are just a few of the main things that need to be checked before the cold weather sets in, because you sure don't want be stranded out in the middle of nowhere,  with a major problem to deal with.


Local to Biggs Cadillac Area? 
You can download Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC Free Mobile App for the Android, iPad and iPhone. 
Use the App, get towed, and we will get you back on the road.

Keep it between the lines,
Happy Motoring




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