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6 Way To Keeping Your Car Running During The Winter Months

Keeping your car running during the winter months can be challenging. The cold and snow makes for some unusual challenges and can be dangerous if you’re unprepared. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your car running this winter!

By Original Auto RepairPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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Most people know that there is a lot of snow and ice in the winter, but most don’t know how to keep their car running during these tough conditions. Winter is typically the time of year where car accident rates tend to increase. Over the years I have learned a few tricks to save myself from being stranded. In my experience these tips have helped me so much I think they might apply to others as well. So, with that said, here is a collection of quick and easy tips for keeping your car safe during the winter months.

Learn how to maintain your car all year round with our FREE eBook...

  • Consider Installing Winter Tires On Your Vehicle

Winter brings a slew of dangers to our roads, including black ice, slippery roads, and even winter tires that slip and slide on pavement. In some parts of the country, drivers need to put on winter tires, which grip better in icy weather than regular tires. But even if you don't live in an area that requires winter tires, it's a good idea to have winter tires installed on your vehicle. Not only do they improve traction, but they can also help your fuel economy. When winter tires are mounted on your vehicle they act like large snowplows, which smooth out the snow on the road.

  • Inspect Your Brakes Regularly

make sure your brakes are working as they should. Check that the breaks work smoothly, check that they are properly adjusted, and test them by applying different amounts of pressure. The braking system of your vehicle is the single most important feature. It plays a crucial role in keeping you safe on the road in bad weather especially during the winter.

If the brakes are in a good condition, your vehicle should maintain good control and traction. If the brakes are not working properly, it can make driving in the winter very difficult and dangerous. Always check to make sure that brake fluid levels are good. Visually inspect the brake pads, brake shoes, and brake rotors.

  • Be Sure To Check Your Windshield Wiper Blades

Winter weather brings snow, sleet, ice, and strong winds, and it's essential that you maintain proper visibility on the roads. If your vehicle's windshield wiper blades are worn or cracked, they won't effectively clear snow or ice from your windshield. This not only causes you to lose visibility, but it can also cause an accident.

  • Always Check The Life Of Your Battery

Your car battery is meant to keep the car running, so it's vital that it supplies enough electricity to keep the engine running in the winter. If your car battery isn't working properly, it won't have enough energy to keep your car running, and this could leave you stranded on a cold night.

So it's important to know how long your car battery is good for. The average car battery lasts between three and five years, but winter weather can shorten its service life considerably

  • Make Sure Your Car Heater Is Working Properly

The heater is your car's first line of defense against the cold, and it's essential to have a functioning one for the winter months. If you don't have one, your car won't provide any heat at all, and if you're already in a cold environment, your heater will do nothing to help you.

  • Change Your Oil and Antifreeze To Prevent Trouble

Cold weather can cause sludge to form in the engine, which can make the car less fuel-efficient. This is important for vehicles with diesel engines. Diesel engines use an additive called urea that breaks down under harsh conditions, such as cold temperatures. If the additive breaks down, your fuel may not burn properly, destroying your vehicle's engine.

The winter months can bring many exciting things, including snow, ice, and cold temperatures. Unfortunately, it can also bring dangerous road conditions and severe weather.

Winter driving can be extremely hazardous, especially for those who are not prepared. You may not think much of driving, or about driving in the snow. However, driving in snow and ice requires a lot of precautionary measures.

If you are planning to drive this winter, there are several things you should do to make yourself safer and your vehicle safer as well.

Learn how to maintain your car all year round with our FREE eBook...

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About the Creator

Original Auto Repair

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