A mechanic shares his secret: Don’t spend a lot of money preparing your car for winter

Winter is just around the corner and colder temperatures can affect your car’s performance. Whether you live in a region with harsh winters or are planning a road trip, preparing your vehicle is crucial to avoid breakdowns and ensure a safe journey. Preparing for winter is not only a safety measure, but also a way to save yourself stress on the road.

Extreme cold affects many car components. Batteries lose power, tires can lose air and visibility is impaired by ice and snow. Proper preventative maintenance not only extends the life of your vehicle, but also reduces the risk of breakdowns in harsh weather.

Follow these practical tips to winterize your car and avoid unpleasant surprises.

1. Check tire pressure

Your tires are crucial to safety, especially in winter. It’s a mistake to assume that you can detect low tire pressure just by looking. Check each tire, including the spare tire, with a pressure gauge.

Also, make sure your jack is in good condition. Knowing how to change a tire can be crucial in an emergency.

Spin your tires

If you haven’t changed your tires recently, Now is the perfect time. This extends the life of the tire and improves grip. Also check the condition of your brakes.

2. Check engine fluids

Winter puts a lot of strain on your car’s mechanical components, so maintaining fluid levels is essential. Check oil, antifreeze and brake fluid. If they are low, refill or replace them.

Make sure the antifreeze is sufficient to prevent engine damage in subzero temperatures.

Change oil if necessary

Depending on your car’s mileage, Consider an oil change before winter. Some oils are designed for cold climates and will help your engine start more easily

3. Replace windshield wipers

Worn windshield wipers can be dangerous in winter. If they leave streaks or don’t work properly, it’s time to replace them.

You can try cleaning the blades with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove dirt. CHoose windshield wipers for the winter, which are more durable in cold weather.

4. Test the battery

Cold weather affects your car’s battery performance. Check the battery charge level and make sure it doesn’t reach the end of its life. If you are unsure, it is better to replace it before it fails.

Check battery cable

Make sure the battery cables are clean and secure. Corrosion on the connections can affect your car’s ability to start in cold weather

5. Check the timing belt

If your car has a timing belt, Check the condition before long trips. A broken belt can cause serious damage to the engine. Therefore, replace it when you approach the recommended mileage.

6. Prepare an emergency kit

Even if your car is ready for the winter, it’s a good idea to have emergency kit with you. Essential items include a flashlight, phone charger, blanket, water and a tire repair kit. These can be life-saving in an emergency.

Consider also bringing gloves, a shovel, an ice scraper, etc Jumper cables. These take up little space but can be crucial in snow or ice conditions.

7. Check heating and defrost systems

In cold months, Your car’s heating and defrosting systems are critical to comfort and safety. Make sure both are working properly before temperatures drop. If you notice any problems, Have your car serviced.

8. Check brakes and suspension

Brakes and suspension are essential to maintaining control on icy roads. Check your brake pads and rotors to ensure they are in good condition. Also, check your suspension to ensure stability on slippery roads.

9. Use technology to your advantage

Technology can help with winter driving. Traffic and weather apps alerts you to road conditions Parking sensors or rear view cameras are helpful when visibility is poor due to snow or fog.

If your car has this remote start, Use it to warm up your vehicle before driving, which is especially useful on cold mornings.

10. Tips for safe winter driving

Particular caution is required when driving in winter. Here are some tips to stay safe on the road:

• Slow: Braking distances are longer on icy or wet roads.
• Avoid sudden braking: If possible, use engine braking to slow down.
• Keep a safe distance: Increase the distance between you and the car in front to avoid accidents.

Final inspection

Before you go on a long trip, make sure you have completed all of the checks mentioned above. A thorough inspection before winter can save you a headache and make sure you enjoy your trip safely.

Preparing your car for winter doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive, but Taking the time to do this can make winter driving much safer. From tire pressure to battery status, every detail helps prevent unpleasant surprises on the road. Don’t let winter surprise you, Follow these tips and ensure a smooth and worry-free driving experience this season.