Top 10 Tips to Take Care of Your Car During the Winter in Louisville, KY

Before winter sets in, make sure that you prepare your car for the harsh weather and driving conditions you may encounter. With a bit of planning and action, you can have peace of mind that no matter what the winter brings, you and your car can safely tackle the upcoming weather. Follow these 10 tips to help you take care of your car this winter:

Get Winter Tires

The tires on your car need good tread to help with traction on wet, slippery, or snowy pavement. If you live in an area where the temperature drops below 45 degrees, consider investing in a set of winter tires. You’ll have a better grip when you’re braking or turning on icy roads with winter tires than you will with all-season tires. It’s also very important to keep the tires inflated properly.

As the temperature drops, so does the pressure in your tires. When under-inflated, the tires start to wear unevenly and might cause a premature blowout. Check your owner’s manual for the suggested PSI tire pressure for your car. If you’re unsure of the correct tire pressure or need a new set of tires, contact your service center.

image via Ford.com

Put New Windshield Wipers On

You need good visibility when you’re driving in stormy conditions. The material on your windshield wiper blades tends to crack during cold weather, reducing their ability to clear rain, ice, or snow from the windshield. Check the condition of the wipers and replace them if necessary. If you live in a very cold climate, consider putting on special winter wiper blades. In addition, make sure your wiper reservoir stays full of fluid, and again, if you live in a cold area, put winter fluid in that helps to de-ice the windshield.

Have the Right Grade of Oil in the Engine

The oil in your car’s engine is the lifeblood of the system. It lubricates the engine so it runs smoothly and stays cool. When the temperature plunges, the oil thickens and has a harder time circulating through the engine, which can cause a whole host of issues, such as overheating. During the winter, you need a grade of oil that stays thin enough to circulate properly. When you schedule your oil change, we can put the right grade or weight of oil in your vehicle to carry you through the winter.

Check Your Battery

One of the last things you want to happen on a cold winter morning is to find that your car battery has died. Batteries often struggle to turn the engine over when the weather is cold, and if it’s already weak, you may end up with a dead battery. If you’re unsure of the condition of your battery, bring it in and we can do a volt test to see if it has enough life in it to get you through the winter months. It’s far better to replace a weak battery than to get stuck somewhere with a dead one.

Make Sure Your Heater and Defroster Work

You’ll want the heater working in top condition to keep you toasty warm when driving in the cold. It’s also really important to make sure your defroster works well to keep the inside of your windshield fog-free and the outside ice-free.

Have Your Hoses and Belts Checked

The material on the belts and hoses throughout your car may crack during colder weather. If the hoses carrying brake fluid crack, you could lose vital fluid, and you run the risk of not being able to stop the car. If the belts that turn the fan break, the engine can overheat. When you schedule a maintenance service for your car, our technicians will inspect all of the belts and hoses and replace them as needed.

Check the Coolant Levels

The coolant or antifreeze in the cooling system of your car helps to prevent the water in the radiator from freezing. You’ll want to check to make sure the coolant isn’t low or that there aren’t any leaks in the system. Have the radiator inspected to make sure there’s no rust buildup, and if there is, have it flushed out and refilled with the proper mixture of antifreeze and water.

Keep the Gas Tank Full

You want to have a full tank of gas as much as possible. If you get stuck in a storm or in heavy traffic, you’ll need to run the car to keep the heater working so you and your family or passengers can stay warm. Also, when the tank’s not full, moisture can build up in the gas tank and cause rust on the metal. If that rust gets into the system, you could experience problems. When you bring your car in for pre-winter maintenance, we’ll check the fuel filter for signs of rust or dirt.

Warm Up the Engine

The oil in your car’s engine needs time to warm up enough to lubricate the engine properly, especially when it’s cold outside. Take time to start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes before driving off. Many car manufacturers offer an app that you can download onto your mobile device that allows you to remotely start your car, set the temperature, and adjust the lights. If you have this app and a compatible vehicle, you can start the car and let it warm up from the comfort of your home.

Keep Emergency Supplies in the Car

It’s always smart to keep some emergency supplies in your car at all times, but it’s especially important during the winter in case you get stuck or slip off an icy road. Keep a couple of blankets, some snacks, and a few bottles of water handy. Have working flashlights and extra batteries for them. Keep a first aid kit available, an ice scraper, LED flares, and a neon safety vest in case you need to get out of your car in the dark. Keep your cell phone charged at all times in case you need to make an emergency call.

If you need new winter tires, a new battery, an oil change, or other winter maintenance, our service technicians at Oxmoor Ford Lincoln in Louisville, Kentucky, will make sure your car’s in tiptop condition and ready to face the winter season. Schedule your service today.