With winter just around the corner, it’s important to note that your car’s performance might drop if you’re ill-prepared for the dropping temperatures. Snow, rain, hail and extremely cold temperatures can all take a toll on your vehicle, wreaking havoc on your fluids, battery and other functions.
There are, however, a few things you can do to get your vehicle ready for wintertime. Let’s take a look at Aria Towing’s pre-winter checklist on how to best prepare for the upcoming season and steer as clear as you can from needing car towing Vancouver due to malfunction.
If you do end up needing professional help, however, we’re always at your service, 24/7.
Clean for Visibility
Once the foggy, snow and rainy days come, visibility is fundamental. Start by giving your car a deep and thorough clean to ensure you have a clear view of the road from your windshield, back windows, rearview mirrors and quarter windows.
A Good Waxing
The same way roads are prepped with salt and sand, your car needs to be waxed in order to prepare it as it comes in contact with the winter’s harsh elements. Think of it as a seal coat for your car, or a layer of primer before your main wall colour goes up.
Check Your Windshield Wipers
As windshield wipers age, they begin to squeak and only smear your window instead of actually cleaning it. Ideally, they should be replaced every six months to one year.
Check & Change Your Oil
Although it’s important to change your oil regularly, it’s even more important to make sure your vehicle is running with the right type of oil in the winter. You can consult with your mechanic for what type of oil is best for your vehicle’s make and model.
Check Your Tires & Their Pressure
As temperatures drop, road conditions change drastically. Roads are slippery, covered in black ice, snow, slush and water. Make sure you have the right types of tires for winter conditions of all kinds.
Make Sure Your Heater is Working
Besides your heater, your defroster should be working at optimal levels. Make sure the entire heating and cooling system is working at its best – whether you’re stuck on the road in the cold or need to bring down humid windows with little visibility, this system is fundamental especially in cold temperatures.
Check Alignment
Your alignment prolongs the lifespan of your tires and ensures optimal safety while you drive and steer.
Check Your Brakes
Although healthy brakes are important year-round, they’re especially important when temperatures drop, roads become slippery and you need to brake much sooner than usual to ensure a safe distance between you and other drivers.
Check Your Battery & Replace if Necessary
Your battery’s condition is important year-round, but also in this case, especially in the winter as it can die much faster in low temperatures. An old, ill-functioning or weak battery is dangerous in the winter as it can leave you stranded roadside.
Stock Up on an Emergency Kit
Make sure to stock up on an emergency kit, full of anything from extra blankets, non-perishable food items and a first-aid kit to flashlights, jumper cables and a spare tire.
Invest in Rubber Floor Mats
Rubber floor mats can come in especially handy during the fall and winter months when it’s more than certain you and your passengers will be trekking in water, mud and snow into the car.
Need some more winter car prep tips? Found yourself stranded roadside? Get in touch with us. Aria Towing’s team provides car towing Vancouver service 24/7.