Cambria Country Winters: Impact’s Guide to Winter Car Maintenance
As Pennsylvania residents know, the seasons here can be unpredictable. Don’t let the snow and ice surprise you this Winter. Preparing yourself and your vehicle for the season can prevent many common breakdowns and ensure your safety on icy roads. Here at Impact Truck & Auto, we want to make sure your vehicle is ready to withstand even the worst Pennsylvania Winter.
We believe in preventing accidents before they happen. There are many things you can do to ensure your safety this year. Below are some of the easiest, but most important, steps to take before temperatures are below freezing!
Antifreeze Check and Winterization
The first step in ensuring that your car is ready for freezing temperatures, is making sure your coolant mixture is appropriate for low temperatures. The best mixture is typically a 50/50 blend of antifreeze and water. This prevents your engine from freezing on nights where the temperature is below freezing. Listed below are a few ways to see if your existing antifreeze is prepared to endure the Winter.
Visually inspect your antifreeze. If it is muddy and brown, the additives have started to decrease, indicating the end of its lifespan.
Make sure the tank is full. Cooling systems operate best when they are full.
Check the freezing point. If you don’t have one already, pick up a hydrometer at your local auto store. The tool will show your antifreeze’s freezing point, which in turn tells you what temperature it must remain above so it doesn’t freeze.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Equip yourself and your vehicle with a winter emergency kit. This includes a heavy coat, blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables, and non-perishable snacks. If you ever get stranded somewhere, especially in the Winter, having these items in your car can make a bad situation just a little bit more bearable.
Keep your Gas Tank Full
Your gas tank is full of air, which contains water vapor that can become condensation on the inner walls of your fuel tank. During the Winter, a full gas tank helps reduce condensation in the fuel system. Condensation can be harmful to your gas tank for several reasons, but the main issue is that rust and corrosion can form on metal fuel tanks. Additionally, a full gas tank provides fuel for heat just in case you ever find yourself stranded.
Battery Inspection and Charge
Cold weather is hard on car and truck batteries. Making sure your battery is ready to withstand the cold weather is a quick, but essential step in your seasonal preparation.
Test your battery before the worst of Winter begins.
Consider a battery blanket for extra cold areas and to prevent your battery from freezing.
Park in warm, protected places whenever possible.
Install a new battery if your old battery isn’t performing well.
Exterior Maintenance
Switching your summer windshield wiper fluid for Winter-grade fluid that won’t freeze is a great prevention tactic. Ensuring your wiper blades are suited for icy conditions is another must. Carry an ice scraper with you in your car to keep your windshield clear after freezing rain or an icy night. Use a soft brush to remove snow and a scraper to remove ice from your windshield and mirrors. Make sure not to scratch your paint or windows in the process. Clearing the snow off of the roof, hood, and trunk of your car prevents it from sliding onto your windshield when driving.
Routine Inspections and Oil Changes
Schedule regular inspections with a mechanic at Impact Truck & Auto. They can help spot potential issues before they become expensive repairs. Regular oil changes help keep your engine running smoothly and prevent costly wear. Consult your owner’s manual or a mechanic for the ideal frequency. If you hear unusual noises, feel vibrations or clicking, or notice dashboard warning lights, do not ignore them. Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent major breakdowns.
Visit us at Impact Truck & Auto for Professional Services
While DIY maintenance is important and teaches you more about your vehicle and the way it functions, some things are better handled by a professional. Here at Impact, we can provide you with seasonal tire swaps, brake services, engine diagnostics, and more. Schedule a service with us today!
