Your vehicle is your source of transportation from Point A to Point B and you have to maintain it. Seasonal driving is a challenge for all car owners and each season brings on the need for different types of car care and car maintenance.
With the impending winter season upon us, it is time to dish out the tips for winter car care so you keep your vehicle set for whatever you might encounter.
Driving in cold weather comes with its own unique set of issues. Obviously, the severity of the problem depends on where you live geographically. But, there’s no reason to panic or vow to stay off the roads until spring.
Consider the following car tips. They go a long way in lessening the challenge of cold-weather driving. Lavishly live the lovely season of winter out loud with these tips for car care for the winter months.
Tips For Winter Car Care
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Mats
Your car mats will become your best friend and save your floor interior from looking like it took a brutal beating. No one wants to spend the entire spring cleaning up a salty, muddy mess from winter. Invest in good car mats and keep the salt, mud, and snow off of your floor and on a washable mat.
Keep Your Gas Tank Full
In the age of fluctuating gas prices, it may not always be possible to keep your gas tank full. But, the last thing you need is to get stranded somewhere, because of inclement weather, with an almost empty tank of fuel.
Remember, in situations like this, running your engine may be your only source of heat. It doesn’t take long to freeze in blizzard-like conditions.
Carry Emergency Supplies
Emergency supplies such as extra windshield washer fluid, antifreeze, a warm blanket, sandbags (if you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle), bottled water, non-perishable snacks, extra boots and/or gloves, a tire inflator and jumper cables are all things to consider carrying in the trunk, during cold weather. You never know when you might need them.
Windshield Wiper Etiquette
When it comes to windshield wiper etiquette, there are two things to keep in mind. First, if you utilize “winter wipers,” remove them during the spring. Using this heavy-duty version all year long has the potential of prematurely wearing out your wiper motor.
Second, always turn off the wipers before shutting off the engine. If you don’t, it’s quite possible that the blades will actually freeze and stick to the glass. Attempting to “un-stick” them by turning them on can burn out the motor as well.
SUV Happiness
If you are driving an SUV, remember to make sure you know how to kick it into 4 wheel drive and make sure that the 4 wheel drive function is working. Many people buy the 4 wheel drive vehicles and don’t know how to use them or how useful they are, they just ‘own them’! Don’t fall into this category, get ahead of the storm! Have your Car Dealership show you how to use all the functions in your vehicle.
Battery Basics
It’s important to make sure your car battery is up to the challenge, before cold weather hits. Make sure the terminals are all clean and tightened down properly. Cleaning the terminals is easy. All you need is an old toothbrush and a mixture of water and baking soda to get the job done.
Seat Belts & Car Seats
Make sure to check every seat belt to ensure it buckles and unbuckles. Wipe them off, with a disinfecting wipe to keep them clean. Car Seats need to be cleaned (from debris) as well as throw-up and boogie. Car seats should be checked to make certain it is fastened correctly, you can never keep your precious cargo too safe!
Car Maintenance
Don’t forget that just because the winter is beating on your car, you still should wash it and have it waxed. There are a lot of car washes that take care of both items with a simple drive through. The cost is so inexpensive and the results are great.
These are just four of many tips to follow to make driving in inclement conditions easier and safer. Don’t let Old Man Winter get you down. Remember, warmer weather will return before you know it! Lavishly live travel in your car out loud during the cold and snowy months with my tips for winter car care.
Need more Car Tips & Tricks? Check out these great articles:
Best use of time at a gas station
Tips For Keeping Black Car Interiors Clean
