How to Winterize Your Car

The winter driving season can be especially tough on vehicles and drivers alike. Snow, ice and freezing rain can make even the simplest, shortest trip a complicated nightmare. Thankfully, proper preparation can ensure that your car is ready for the cooler season and mitigate any disaster that may strike. Ensure that you and your car are ready for whatever weather may be thrown at you by taking the steps necessary to winterize your car. Be sure to procure all of the supplies needed to winterize your ride from a trusted car shop in Athens County, OH.

There are a number of steps involved with winterizing a vehicle. While you may be able to accomplish some of these procedures on your own, it’s always recommended that you reach out for professional help for some of the more involved elements of car winterization. Here are just a few common-sense steps that you can take to protect yourself and your vehicle this winter season:

• Stock up on emergency supplies: Keep an emergency blanket, food rations and water in your vehicle at all times during the wintertime. If possible, keep your water supply near a heat vent to keep it from freezing.
• Check your antifreeze: Your car should probably have an antifreeze-to-water ratio of one-to-one. This will prevent your engine coolant from freezing. Be sure to consult with an expert at a car shop in Athens County, OH to be sure!
• Change the oil: You should always change your oil before temperatures drop. Impurities in older oil will reduce its ability to flow through your engine, increasing the likelihood of your engine overheating. You may want to consider using a thinner oil as well.
• Examine your belts and hoses: You should check on the integrity of your belts and hoses before driving for any period of time in the winter. Cold weather makes rubber less pliable, meaning that existing cracks are more likely to cause damage in icy conditions.
• Check your tires: Be sure to check your tire pressure before driving in the wintertime. Additionally, you may want to consider investing in a set of winter or all-season tires before conditions deteriorate.
• Refill your wiper fluid: Snow and ice can deplete your car’s supply of wiper fluid very rapidly, making it increasingly difficult to see the road ahead of you. Be sure to refill your car’s wiper fluid and check the blades before hitting the road.

Since 1983, Dana’s Tire Center has been the premier car shop in Athens County, OH. We are proud to sell everything that you need to successfully prepare yourself and your vehicle for driving in the winter months. Our talented technicians can assist you with a wide range of preventative maintenance services, as well. If you are looking to ensure that your vehicle is ready for the winter season, pay a visit to our well-regarded shop. You can consult with our automotive experts and receive answers to questions that you may have. Give us a call today to learn more!

Categorised in: Car Shop

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