Winter has ushered in colder temperatures that can place additional demands on your car. Even though Las Vegas doesn’t experience the extreme temperatures and piles of snow that have been common in some other parts of the country, these auto care tips will help make sure your car is ready for winter:
Don’t let your fuel tank get too low
In addition to making sure you never get stranded because of an empty gas tank, keeping your tank at least half full is an important part of winter auto care. An almost-empty tank can allow moisture inside the tank to turn to ice and cause the fuel line to freeze.
Check your tires
A properly inflated tire with good tread will provide more control and stability on slick or icy roads. Check your tire tread to make sure they’re in good shape. To make sure your tires are properly inflated, check your owner’s manual, or look for a yellow sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb to see how many psi (pounds per square inch) your tires should be inflated to. A simple digital gauge will allow you to check, and you can add air at a gas station if needed.
Get an oil change
Clean, high-quality motor oil will keep your engine well lubricated, even in cold weather. Also have your filter changed, because as oil thickens in colder weather, it puts extra demands on your filter.
Test your battery
Cold temperatures can reduce your battery’s power, so if you’ve had yours for a few years, get it tested to make sure it still has enough power to keep starting on cold mornings. All connections and posts should be in good condition and free of corrosion.
Check your wiper blades
Winter precipitation can make visibility a challenge, so check your wiper blades to make sure they’re in good condition. If they’re over a year old, they should be replaced. Wipers also get dirty; if you’ve noticed smearing when they’re on, wipe them with a damp cloth to remove any oils and dust.
Pack an emergency kit
Have an emergency kit available in your car, with items such as a blanket, water, snack, flashlight, first aid kit and auto care items such as jumper cables and antifreeze. If you do break down, these items can help keep you safe while you wait for help.
Check your antifreeze
Check and fill your antifreeze, which does just what it sounds like – it keeps your engine from freezing when it gets cold. A 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water is often recommended for winter, since it has a lower freezing point than antifreeze alone. A mechanic can handle this for you and check for leaks.
If you need a new or used car to help you get through the winter season, visit Valley Automall and check out thousands of cars in one convenient location.