Preparing your vehicle for the winter is something many drivers overlook, but having a car ready for winter can help prevent costly repairs and keep your vehicle running all winter long. There are many things you can do to help your vehicle run better in the winter, including checking important components of your vehicle for wear. Here is a checklist of everything you should remember when preparing your vehicle for winter this year.
Battery Testing & Replacement
Your car battery is more likely to die during the winter due to added strain caused by the colder temperature. The higher likelihood of a battery dying in the winter is due to the motors having to do more work as the motor oil is thickened by the cold. It is recommended that your battery be tested to ensure there is no corrosion on the terminals before winter. Checking your battery before winter arrives will give you time to make sure your battery is in top shape and can be replaced ahead of time if needed.
Inspect Your Tires and Replace If Necessary
Another important part of prepping your car for winter involves the tires. Now is a good time to inspect your tires for normal wear and anything unusual. Check your tire pressure and the wear on the tread. While the Bay Area is not prone to snow and extremely cold temperatures, if you have summer tires, consider swapping them out for all-season tires. These tires have a deeper tread, allowing them to grip the road better in colder temperatures and winter conditions than summer tires.
Inspect Your Brakes and Replace If Necessary
The winter weather causes more strain on your brakes than any other season. Because of this, it's important to have a technician check that they are working well before hitting the road. Some experts recommend that you inspect them twice during the season, once at the beginning and once midway through winter. If you think your brakes need to be replaced or repaired, schedule a service appointment sooner rather than later.
Check & Replace Fluids
The transition between the seasons is a good reminder to check your vehicle's fluid levels and replace them as necessary. For example, your brake fluid tends to degrade during winter, so getting fresh fluid for your brakes can help keep your vehicle in good condition. Consider using a formula rated for colder weather. Another fluid you should consider replacing is your wiper fluid. Opt for a winter washer fluid, as other types can freeze during winter temperatures.
Inspect & Replace Filters
While you may not think much about your vehicle's cabin air filter, it never hurts to check it occasionally to ensure it doesn't need to be replaced. A clogged cabin air filter can reduce airflow, causing stress for your vehicle's blower motor and potentially leading to overheating the blower motor resistor. Avoid being left stranded in the cold without heat and paying for this costly repair with a simple inspection and replacement of your cabin air filter.
Don't Forget the Little Things
When preparing your vehicle for winter, don't overlook the little things. Take this time to double-check your weather seals, wiper blades, hinges, hood struts, etc. The little things, as previously discussed, can be easily forgotten, so checking during the transition between summer and winter and vice versa can help alert you to any worn-out parts that need replacement.
Trust a Certified Pro to Ensure Your Ford is Ready for Winter
As you can see, winterizing your vehicle requires several important steps to ensure it will work well all winter long. It is important to have a trained professional look over it and inspect fluids, brakes, tires, and other important parts of your vehicle. Before the weather starts to get colder, go ahead and schedule an appointment to have your vehicle inspected and prepped for winter. Planning your appointment now will ensure you have plenty of time before the temperature drops to ensure your vehicle is ready for whatever winter brings.
Ford Vehicle Winter Maintenance & Prep in Burlingame
If you need to have your Ford vehicle winterized, Putnam Ford is here to help. Our Ford-trained technicians know your vehicle inside and out, ensuring all aspects of winterizing will be taken care of, giving you peace of mind. Whether your vehicle requires repair or regular maintenance, our technicians are here to make taking care of your vehicle easy and stress-free. Schedule a service appointment today, and let us handle the rest.
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