October is Fall Car Care Month and a Great Time to Winterize Your Car

Here Are Some Tips for How to Winterize Your Car Before the Cold Weather Settles In

Many people fail to realize the importance of "winterizing" their car for the cold months ahead of us. October is "Fall Car Care Month" and a good time to start thinking of how to prepare for winter for your car.
Here are some tips as to what you should winterize now for your car's and your safety in the upcoming winter months:

Tires

Check the tire tread depth and air pressure on your tires. These will ensure you are getting good fuel economy during the fall months and are crucial in the winter months when driving in inclement weather. The air pressure and tire tread depth will affect how much contact your tire has with the road and it's grip on the road.

Fluids

Make sure you check your antifreeze. It is a good idea to have your coolant system flushed and refilled before winter is upon us.
It is important to check your oil and, in most cases, have it changed every 3,000 miles. This is even more imporant in winter months as dirty oil can contribute to even more problems in the colder months. Also make sure you have your oil filter changed as well.

Engine

Make sure the battery in your car and it's charging system is checked before the winter. With the colder weather battery failure becomes more common. 
Also if you are due for a tune-up this fall, don't put it off until after the winter. 
Minor problems can become more significant in the cold weather as your engine has to work harder during the colder months.

General Maintenance

Test your heater and defroster before the colder months arrive. This may sound strange when it's still in the 60's and 70's outside, but it's best to make sure these components are working when you still have plenty of time to get them repaired. Check your wiper blades are they worn? 
If so, get them replaced before the winter months arrive. They now have wiper blades designed specifically for the inclement weather winter brings with it. 
Walk around your car and inspect your headlights, are they property aligned? If not, get them fixed now. It does little good if your headlights are aimed well above the road surface when driving in poor visibility and can actually be a hindrance. 
Finally but definitely not least, make sure you check your brakes. 
Braking distance will be increased in inclement weather, don't let worn brakes add to this condition.

Remember, winter will be here soon. It's best to start to winterize your car now so you know what repairs need to be made. 
This way you can spread out the expenses over the next couple of months and find time to get your car into our shop. 

A Prepared Vehicle for Winter is a Safe Vehicle.

Call us at 630-968-9827 today, to schedule an appointment.

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