Winter Car Care Guide

Just like your home and other parts of your life, your vehicle will need extra care to get through the cold weather months. Winter can wreak havoc on an automobile, so it’s important you take some additional steps to ensure it stays in optimal condition.

Here at Rob’s Automotive, cars and trucks are our business. We’re certified by 24 major auto manufacturers and know exactly what your vehicle needs to get through this time of year. Here are some tips you’ll need to follow to ensure your car or truck is ready to handle winter weather.

Maintaining the Right Tire Pressure

The first, and perhaps most important, cold weather driving tip is to pay close attention to your tires. A fundamental physics principle governs how air reacts to temperature fluctuations. It expands as it becomes warmer and contracts as it gets colder. These impacts are felt in terms of the air pressure inside your tire. Your car’s tire pressure rises in the summer and falls in the winter due to temperature variations. 

As a result, it is recommended that you check your tires’ pressure more frequently than usual. Low tire pressure can negatively affect driving. So, make sure to always drive with properly inflated tires.

Checking the Battery

It is commonly known that heat is the biggest enemy of a vehicle’s battery. Although the winter doesn’t cause temperature-related damage to a battery, it still poses a problem. Your battery may fail over the winter if its charge is low or nearly empty. The primary symptoms of a battery problem include start-up issues, dim or flickering lights, and poor operation of the cabin lights or audio system. However, loose connections or terminals can also be to blame for these issues. 

Therefore, it is recommended to have a licensed mechanic thoroughly inspect your battery during the winter months, especially if you’ve been experiencing electrical problems.

Keeping Antifreeze at the Required Level

Antifreeze/coolant protects your engine from extreme heat in the summer by keeping it cool. Yet, few people are aware of the fact that it also plays a crucial role throughout the winter, meaning you need antifreeze year-round. During cold spells, the same coolant that keeps the engine cool in the summer also serves as antifreeze. The ingredients ensure the engine doesn’t freeze up and jam when the temps drop. 

Basically, this fluid works around the clock to maintain a consistent temperature inside the engine. Even throughout the winter, you must make sure that the engine’s antifreeze level is at the required levels.

Should You Warm Up Your Car in the Winter?

Although not as essential as it once was, warming up your car before hitting the road is still a good idea. This is especially true if you’re driving an older automobile. 

While newer cars aren’t as prone to damage if driven immediately after start-up in cold weather, older models should have the engine run a few minutes prior to operation. This gives the oil pump an opportunity to thoroughly lubricate the interior of the engine before driving. It’s particularly important during the winter months, as oil has a tendency to thicken in freezing temperatures.

Rob’s Automotive: Your Source for Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs

Rob’s Automotive is Bucks County’s leading automotive repair and maintenance company. We offer a range of services, including heavy-duty truck repair and 24-hour towing throughout the Philadelphia, PA, area. Contact Rob’s Automotive today for more information or to schedule your appointment.

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