Winter is coming – and for many of us, that also means forecasts of severe weather. From navigating slick roads, to ice freezing across the windshield, your car takes a beating in the colder temps. Freezing temps also add stress to any pre-existing car troubles including hard starts or battery troubles. Fortunately, preparing for the cold weather before it arrives can help keep your car on the road and ready for whatever weather is thrown your way. Check out some of our winterizing tips: Wiper Blades – Test your wiper blades for streaking or skipping to see if they are making good contact with the windshield. Check for visible deterioration along the rubber edge as well. Replace blades if necessary, and consider using a winter wiper blade designed to prevent snow and ice from clogging the blade. If you are in need of new blades, the Parts Professionals at your local O’Reilly Auto Parts store will help you select and install them on your vehicle for free. Windshield – Be sure to refill your windshield washer fluid reservoir. Choose a washer fluid that has the appropriate freeze protection for the temperatures your region experiences in the winter. Antifreeze – Consult your owner’s manual for the type of antifreeze your vehicle needs, and the change intervals for when you should replace it. Be sure that your antifreeze meets the lowest temperatures expected to prevent damage to your car. Oil – In addition to changing your oil at the recommended intervals for your vehicle, consider using a winter weight of oil. Thinner oil in the winter allows for easier starting and will strain your engine less. Battery – Cold weather is especially hard on your car battery and can kill a battery that is on the decline. Get a thorough inspection of the battery as well as all of your cables and terminals. The Parts Professionals at your local O’Reilly Auto Parts store would be happy to test your car’s battery free of charge. Brakes – As one of the most important safety features on your vehicle, be sure to have your brakes checked before the winter season arrives. Any grinding or squealing noises, even subtle ones, are indicators that your brakes need replacing. Tires – Check your tire tread depth as well as your tire pressure. Be sure to check the air pressure of your spare tire as well and inflate as necessary. Emergency Kit – Keeping a kit with extra washer fluid, engine oil, blankets, flashlight and extra batteries, jumper cables, a simple tool kit, and a spare ice scraper/brush in your car helps prepare you for emergency situations that might arise in inclement weather. Tune-Up – Consider getting a tune-up before the freezing weather sets in. Preventive maintenance helps in avoiding costly emergency repairs and ensures your vehicle is running reliably. Doing a little work in advance of the winter weather can keep your car running smoothly in spite of the winter weather. With thousands of parts and accessories in stock, the Parts Professionals at O’Reilly Auto Parts are here to help. Better Parts… Better Prices, Everyday!
Posted on: Thu, 06 Nov 2014 11:19:20 +0000
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