Lower temperatures adversely affect your vehicle, causing faster tire deflation, cracked windshields, and corroded paint. In addition, tires lose traction when driving in the cold, which increases the risk of collisions. Take advantage of the upcoming fall season, and implement the following tips to prepare your vehicle for colder temperatures.
Check Your Vehicle's Belts and Hoses
It is easy to overlook your vehicle's belts and hoses as you service your vehicle. However, they play an essential role in your vehicle by preventing overheating. Even though many people associate overheating with summer temperatures, it may also occur in winter, and you should replace worn-out or cracked belts and hoses to avert the occurrence.
Maintain Recommended Fluid Levels
Maintaining your vehicle's fluid levels is important, including coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluids. As you prepare for fall, ensure that each fluid is at the recommended level to ensure your car operates smoothly during your drives around Nicholasville.
Inspect Your Tires
During cold temperatures, your tires tend to deflate easily. Consequently, it is recommendable that you fill up your tires to the right amount as you prepare for fall. In addition, drivers near Lexington should ensure tires have the right tread depth for better traction when driving on snow and ice. Rotating your tires is also important, allowing you to detect uneven wear. Depending on your location, you should consider replacing your tires with snow tires to enhance safety.
Ensure You are Ready for the Cold
Driving in the winter poses numerous risks, including getting stranded in the cold. Ensure you stay prepared for such occurrences by having enough equipment in your vehicle. Some essential items for cold-weather driving include a flashlight, blanket, first aid kit, gloves, and an ice scraper.
Maintain Recommended Oil Levels
While it is advisable to change your vehicle's oil every three months, you should check your car's manual to be sure. Oil plays a critical role in lubricating your engine, which prolongs its life and assists in cooling. Cold temperatures around Lebanon, KY cause oil to flow slowly inside your engine, leading to potential car trouble in winter. By scheduling an oil change this fall, you ensure your vehicle operates in optimum conditions as you approach winter. If you have a modern vehicle, check your oil monitoring system to determine when you need an oil change.
Ensure Heating Components are Functional
If any of the heat mechanisms in your vehicle are not functional, ensure you replace or repair them this fall. Driving in freezing temperatures is uncomfortable and may pose several risks. For instance, if the windshield defogger isn't working, your visibility gets affected, leading to potential accidents.
Repair Your Brakes
Your vehicle's brakes play a vital role in everyday driving. However, due to the lower temperatures and slippery conditions experienced in fall and winter, your brakes may fail, especially when worn. If you notice unusual noises from your brakes, you need to get them checked and replaced for enhanced safety as you approach fall and winter.
Get All-Weather Floor Mats
Your regular floor mats may fail to hold against the harsh conditions experienced in the cold weather months. We recommend that you get all-weather floor mats since they are durable and ideal for keeping mud and snow away from your car's floor.
Ensure Your Lights are Functioning
As you prepare for fall and winter, ensure your headlights, taillights, and turn lights are working. Replacing any blown-out bulb will ensure you have enough visibility when driving in cold weather.
Check Your Battery
Your car's battery may drain faster during colder temperatures in Danville. You must ensure your battery is in great condition as you prepare for winter. Where necessary, replace your worn-out battery with a new one this fall.
Take charge of your safety this fall, and ensure your vehicle is in optimal operating conditions. Since it may be difficult to diagnose potential problems yourself, you should seek assistance from professional service providers. Contact or visit our Danville service center for further assistance.