Get Your Vehicle Winter Ready

Between sapping your battery and icing your windows, winter’s freezing temperatures put a lot of stress on your car. Performing a regular checkup on your vehicle—with help from your local auto body shop in Middletown, NJ—will ensure it’s ready to carry you safely through another winter.

Replace your windshield wiper blades

You don’t want to find out your windshield wipers are worn out when you’re trying to get home in a storm. Windshield wiper blades can wear out in just a few months, depending on the conditions. You can tell your blades need replacing if wiping leaves large streaks or missed spots. Wiper blades are fairly inexpensive to replace twice a year and easy to install yourself, or an auto body repair professional in Middletown, NJ can help the next time your vehicle is being serviced.

Check your tires

Winter driving requires traction to save you from slipping and sliding on icy roads. If you live somewhere that receives heavy snow, that traction will help your car successfully drive out of snow-packed parking spots. If it doesn’t snow much or you don’t spend much time driving in winter, new all-season tires will get you through everyday driving. If you spend all winter driving in the snow, consider investing in winter tires you only use seasonally. Consult with your local auto body shop professional to learn what’s best for you.

Perform a checkup

Test the heater to ensure enough warm air is coming out and that it’s directed in the correct places, especially for the defrosters. The next time you bring your car into the auto body shop, ask the professional to check your radiator and heater hoses for cracks or leaks. Test all of your lights to make sure they are working properly and have them cleaned for maximum visibility.

Test your battery

Car batteries take a beating when the weather is extreme—hot or cold. When the temperatures drop below freezing, your battery’s power may only be working at half its capacity. Make sure your conventional battery is ready for winter by checking the fluid level; if it’s low, add distilled water. If you have a maintenance-free battery, check that the battery shows it’s fully charged. If it’s more than five years old or appears to be worn out, it’s time to replace it. Your local mechanic can help you check and even charge your battery, or help you find the best replacement model.

Weatherproof your oil

When motor oil is cold, it thickens, making it more difficult for your car’s engine to turn over. You’ll want to use an oil with a “W” in the type because these are formulated for cold winter weather. Ask the mechanic at your auto body shop in Middletown, NJ to check or change your oil filter as well for maximum flow.

Replenish your fluids

Now that you have fresh new wiper blades, make sure you also have enough window cleaner to get the winter grime off your windows. Balance your coolant so it’s a mixture of 50 to 70 percent antifreeze and 30 to 50 percent water.

Stock up on supplies

You never want to be caught unprepared in an emergency. Keep an ice scraper, snow shovel, warm clothing and a roadside emergency kit in your car so you can stay warm and safe while waiting for help.

If you need help winterproofing your car before another New Jersey winter, Lentz Auto Body is always ready to help. Give us a call or stop by today to receive an evaluation!

Categorised in: Auto Body Repairs, Auto Body Shop

This post was written by Writer