With winter around the corner, chilly cold weather sweeps in. In Northern Utah, the winter brings harsh conditions that Utah residents must prepare for. Your vehicle is one of the most important items to prepare for the winter. Winterize your vehicle with auto services from Ray’s Muffler Service in Bountiful, UT.
Here are 10 tips to winterize your vehicle:
- Tire Inspection
- Fix Tire Pressure
- Change Oil
- Test Battery
- Add Coolant
- Fill Up Fluids
- Check Belts and Hoses
- Check Brakes
- Change Windshield Wiper Blades
Inspect Your Tires
No matter the type of vehicle you drive, it is crucial to have proper tires for the slick, icy roads ahead. Inspecting your tire is one of the most important areas to prep for the winter season. Consider the amount of tread left on the tires and the overall condition of the exterior.
Do my tires have enough tread for the winter?
The most common method for determining adequate tread depth is by using a penny. Take a penny and place it between the grooves of the tread. Ensure that Lincoln’s head is facing you and is positioned upside down. If Lincoln’s head is entirely visible, then the tires are dangerous and you immediately need new tires. This means the tread depth is less than 2/32 of an inch. Replace your tires as soon as possible.
Fix Tire Pressure
Have you seen a low tire pressure light display on the dash of your vehicle? A low tire pressure signal doesn’t only show up when your tire is flat from being punctured or damaged. This can commonly happen with drastic changes in outside temperature. This happens when the air inside the tire is condensing. This air takes up less space inside the tire since it is cold. This change happens usually in the late fall or the early spring. Check your tire pressure in these seasons whether or not a low tire pressure signal alerts on your vehicle’s dash.
Change Oil
During the cold weather, it is crucial to use lighter-weight oil in your vehicle since your engine needs to be at a starting temperature. This also applies to a strong battery. If your vehicle’s internal parts are not able to reach a proper temperature, this can strain the starter and the battery, making it impossible for your vehicle to get running.
Test Battery
Since engines are more difficult to start in low temperatures, the battery must be up to its highest strength to do its job. Batteries do not do well in the cold weather. The ideal outdoor temperature for a battery to function in is approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Not all conditions are ideal, so it is important to ensure your battery is working for the winter.
Add Coolant
Coolant, also known as anti-freeze, plays a role in the heat absorption in the engine. The coolant dissipates the energy through the radiator. The coolant has two major roles. In hotter temperatures such as the summer, the coolant cools down the engine, preventing overheating. In the chilling winter temperatures, the coolant, also known as anti-freeze, resists the cold, helping the engine resist freezing. Ensure you are using the correct coolant for your vehicle.
Fill Up Fluids
Ensure all fluids in your vehicle are topped off.
Check Belts and Hoses
Belts and hoses must be checked before the winter for cracks and tears. Cold weather can make certain materials crack and become brittle. Check out hoses for leaks so there is no loss of fluid.
Check Brakes
Brakes are one of the most frequently worn-out parts of a car or truck, no matter the season. When you are driving with worn-out brakes, adding in the conditions of ice and snow can make a recipe for disaster on the roads. Replace worn-down brakes and prevent sliding and colliding with obstructions this winter.
Winterize Your Vehicle Today
Utah winters can be brutal for driving. Do you need Help to Winterize your vehicle. Schedule an appointment with Ray’s Muffler today to your winterize your vehicle.
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