Car Care Tips to Prepare for the Winter Months

Posted: Nov 27, 2014
Author: Country Town Tire & Auto Service Center

A car check before winter is the best way to avoid the hassle of being stranded in the cold, plus the risk of potentially expensive emergency repairs. So take heed of the following car care tips . . . now!

• If your car is due for a tune-up, get it done before the winter sets in. Cold weather exacerbates existing problems, such as hard starts, pings, rough idling and sluggish performance.
• Have the charging system and the battery checked.
• Flush, clean and have new antifreeze put in the cooling system. Typically, this should be done every 2 years.
• One of the most important winter car care tips is to make sure that the wipers, defrosters and heaters work properly. As a general rule, windshield wiper blades should be replaced every 6 months.
• Check the tire pressure and tire tread. During winter, the pressure should be checked every week.
• Here’s another that ranks among the top car care tips – have the brakes checked! Your braking system is the most crucial safety component.
• Have your exhaust system checked for CO2 leaks, which are particularly dangerous in cold weather when the windows are closed.
• Check the interior lights and exterior lights, and also check that the headlights are correctly aimed.
• Have the oil and filter changed regularly. In winter, dirty oil can spell trouble.

At Country Town Tire & Auto Service Center, we are proud to serve many communities in and around Hickory, NC. We specialize in auto repair, premier alignments and replacement tires. We also stock top-brand tires to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely. For more info, please contact us.