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Winter is a time to appreciate the artistry of Mother Nature as the weather cools down and rain starts pouring, meanwhile you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite hot beverage. As mornings get chillier, you will have one more reason to immerse yourself in the warm comfort of your favorite blanket. Winter, however, can be a very challenging time for car owners. A dip in temperature can result in various car issues such as battery problems, thickening fluids, wiper failure, frozen fuel lines and leakages. To steer clear of these problems, you need to get your car ready for winter. Follow these tips to accomplish this objective.

Thoroughly Check Your Battery

One of the first things that you need to do when getting your car ready for winter is checking your battery. To ensure your battery has enough charge left, check the voltage using a voltmeter (or your built-in hydrometer). Get your battery and cables cleaned or replaced, if necessary. Get battery fluid level checked at a Livermore auto repair shop. Check the cables for cracks.

Inspect Your Wipers and Check Washer Fluid Level 

Your wipers are an integral safety component. Functional wipers work by helping improve visibility. To ensure your wipers are capable of performing their function, clean them. If, however, they are bent or are nearing the end of their service life (6-12 months), get them replaced. Top up washer fluid level. Consider replacing your regular fluid with a washer fluid with antifreeze.

Change Your Oil 

Engine oil tends to thicken in winter. To ensure the performance of your car does not take a hit, change your oil. Most manufacturers recommend using a thinner oil in winter. To find out what viscosity you should be using during winter, refer to your owners’ manual.

Take a Good Look at Your Tires

Driving with worn tires on wet and slippery roads is a recipe for disaster. Replace tires that exhibit signs of uneven wear. Invest in high quality all-season tires with special tread compounds and rubber. Check and maintain proper tire pressure regularly (as recommended by the manufacturer).

Go for a Basic Tune-Up

A basic tune-up will help get rid of car issues that may snowball into major concerns in winter.  Ask your mechanic to thoroughly check wiring, fan belts, hoses, ignition, fuel and emission filters, the PPVC valve, and spark plugs.

Follow these tips to get the most out of your car during winter. At Bruce Tire, we share our customers’ passion for automobiles. We are committed to helping our customers get the most out of their vehicle in every season. Our automotive experts know a thing or two about car maintenance. To get more car maintenance tips for winter, call us at 925-453-0006.