As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, it is important to have your car ready for anything you face this winter. Having your vehicle inspected for winter can save your car from wear and tear, and you from hazards. Here are some things to get checked out this season:
1. Check your fluids.
Whether it’s the oil, coolant, or brake fluid, it’s important to make sure your car is in top shape for the winter. This is also an excellent opportunity to check for leaks and cracks in the hoses and belts in your car!
If you have not already, you may also want to consider switching to synthetic oil in your car, should it be appropriate for your car. Synthetic oil is faster to heat up, keeping the moving parts of your engine running smoothly.
2. Check your battery.
The heat of the summer can really impact car batteries. When the weather cools off, and snow starts to fall, you don’t want to get stuck with a dead battery. Regular maintenance of your car battery is always important, but especially so in the winter.
3. Check your tires.
This can mean checking your tire pressure, for sufficient tread on your current tires, or getting new ones. The tire tread is what helps prevent your car from skidding on wet and icey roads.
If you are traveling somewhere with more severe cold weather than here in Edmonton, you might want to think about getting snow tires- tires with treads specifically made for keeping your car on the road in the snow.
4. Check your visibility.
Visibility is key when driving in inclement weather. Make sure your wiper blades are sufficiently clearing debris and fluid from your windshield. This is also a great time to replace or repair any car mirrors that have sustained damage and impact your lines of sight.
If you are facing more severe winter weather, winter wiper blades may be right for you.
5. Check your lights.
Nothing could be worse than getting stuck out in the snow in the middle of the night and dead headlights. In preparation for winter, get any old or burnt-out bulbs replaced to make sure you don’t end up cold AND in the dark this season.
Come into Basco Auto in Edmonton or call today to schedule your winter inspection and stay safe this winter!