With the winter months coming, one of the most important things you’ll need to do is ensure that your car is prepared for driving in the impending winter weather. If you need car repairs in Loveland before you have to face the roads this winter, call the experts at Metric Motors. We can help with all of your car repair and service needs. And, if you’re looking for tips on how to prepare your car for winter, keep reading for important information on what you’ll need to do in order to drive safe.
Top Tips For Preparing Your Car For Winter
#1. Schedule your next oil change and ask for winter-grade oil.
During the colder months of the year, the oil that you want in your car is actually thinner than the oil that is generally used throughout the rest of the year. Your oil viscosity is specified by the first two numbers listed on an oil canister and the lower the number, the thinner the oil will be, making it better for your car in the winter months. Having thinner oil in your car will lower the likelihood of the oil freezing or clumping together due to colder weather.
#2. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition and switch to winter windshield wiper fluid.
You want to ensure that if you are caught driving in a snowstorm, you will be able to see well. This is where having good windshield wipers is especially important; you certainly don’t want to be driving down the road and get sludge on your windshield from passing cars without the ability to clean it off. On the same note, having winter windshield wiper fluid will ensure that when you go to use your wiper fluid, it will be less likely to freeze on contact with your cold windshield.
#3. Check the tread and pressure of your tires.
Driving in the snow and on ice is hard enough without having to worry about your tires causing you to slip around or skid out of control. You can check your tire pressure by purchasing a gauge from your local auto supply store and follow the recommendations in your car’s manual for the proper tire pressure for your car. If your tire pressure is low, find a gas station nearby and get your tires to the correct pressure.
Checking your tire’s tread is also fairly simple. Simply take a penny and insert it into the tread of your tire with Lincoln’s head pointing inward. If you can see Lincoln’s head, your tires should be replaced. You may even consider purchasing snow tires for the particularly snowy winters that Colorado is known for, especially if you like to head into the mountains during the winter months.
For more tips on how to prepare your car for winter driving, stay tuned for our next blog. In the meantime, if you’re in need of car repairs in Loveland, call us here at Metric Motors for all of your car service and repair needs.
