8 Simple Winter Car Care Tips!

Florida Toyota Service | FL Car Maintenance

Ah, Winter. We don’t get any snow in Florida, but if your traveling up North to visit family or Friends you want to be safe! That’s right, the most wonderful time of the year tends to bring with it some not-so-wonderful driving conditions. Your car is going to have to brave the elements – freezing temperatures and heavy snowfalls when traveling. How can you make sure your car gets you where you’re going safely this Winter? We’ve got eight simple car care tips to help keep your New or Used car running smoothly during the long, cold Winter months.

Update Your Lighting: Winter means fewer hours of daylight each day. That means you should be paying particular attention to your vehicle’s lighting. In order to get the brightest illumination possible on dark days, replace headlights that are foggy or yellow. Keep your headlights free of snow, and don’t drive with a bulb that has gone out.

Keep Tabs on Your Battery: Cold weather is hard on your vehicle’s battery. It’s wise to have a volt test performed on your battery before cold temperatures really set in. Replace a less-than-stellar battery with a new one to make sure you’re not left stranded with a car that refuses to start.

Monitor Your Antifreeze: Your car’s antifreeze, or coolant, is vital to keep your engine from freezing when temperatures plummet. A certified mechanic can ensure your coolant level is adequate and that there are no leaks in the system.

Keep Gasoline and Washer Fluid Levels Topped Off: It’s important to keep your gas and washer fluid full during the winter. A full gas tank can prevent water from freezing in your fuel pump. A full windshield washer reservoir means you won’t be slowed down by road debris obstructing your vision.

Don’t Forget Your Tires: Winter tires are always a good idea. “All-wheel drive is confidence-inspiring when you’re accelerating, but it doesn’t help you when you’re braking and turning,” says Woody Rogers, director of product information for Tire Rack. “Winter tires are a must in areas where the temperature regularly drops below 45 degrees.”

Keep up Your Tire Pressure: Keep a close eye on tire pressure when the temperatures drop. Tire pressure can drop by up to one pound per square inch with every 10-degree drop in air temperature. Driving on underinflated tires significantly increases your risk for an accident.

Keep an Eye on Your Defroster and Climate Control: To make sure you stay warm and your windows stay free from ice, it’s a good idea to check your car’s defroster and climate control system. Ensuring these two things are functioning properly before the winter driving season will save you a headache or two later on.

Consider a Survival Kit: If you don’t have a stocked survival kit in your vehicle, you may regret it. It’s smart to keep a supply of items such as a first-aid kit, a knife, a flashlight, jumper cables, a blanket, and a cellphone charger.

Got questions about winter maintenance and care for your vehicle? Give us a call or come on into Marianna Toyota today! Our Toyota Dealer is now serving Tallahassee, Dothan, and the surrounding Vernon areas!

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