Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Winter Car Care Tips

  1. Have tools on hand. For peace of mind, keep an emergency kit in the car. Place items like first aid supplies, LED flashlight, car phone charger, hazard triangles, ski hats, emergency blankets and an ice scraper in the trunk and replenish as necessary.
Tip: It’s also a good idea to become a member of a roadside assistance program, since it ensures you’ll be provided with towing should your vehicle break down.
  1. Get a tune-up. Let the pros inspect your vehicle so they can spot potential problems before they become dangerous or expensive. They’ll also top off necessary vehicle fluids and check to make sure the air filter is in good shape for the winter.
  1. Consider snow tires. If you live in an area prone to heavy snow or icy roads, it’s a good idea to swap your tires with versions made to handle wintry weather. If you don’t want snow tires, make sure to check the pressure and tread wear on your current tires.
Tip: Keep plastic or fabric bags in your car to store wet or muddy items, then toss in the laundry when it needs to be cleaned.


  1. Check wiper blades. Ice and snow wear down wiper blades and can make them ineffective when you need them the most. Replace as soon as you see signs of wear and tear. A good set of wiper blades should last about a year, but less in particularly rainy or snowy/icy climates.
Tip: Turn wipers off after every car trip. If the blades are frozen or stuck, the next time the engine’s turned on, the motor can burn out trying to get the stubborn blades moving.
  1. Check fluid levels. Frequently pop the hood and make sure that all fluids and coolants for your transmission, power steering, oil, windshield washers and brakes are filled to proper levels. 
Source:HomeMadeSimple

No comments:

Post a Comment