All cars need regular maintenance throughout the year, but having your car ready for winter can be especially important if you live in an area like Colorado with heavy snowfall. To help you get your vehicle ready for the cold months ahead, here are four of the most important steps to winter truck maintenance (or car maintenance).
Car fluid maintenance is basic.
Check and top up your windshield washer fluid. Check the brake fluid, and add if needed, we recommend a DOT 4 or 5.1 brake fluid. Check the engine coolant levels, it should be at least 1/2 inch below the cold line on the radiator cap. If it’s below that line, top up to that line with coolant mix from your local auto parts store. We recommend 50% antifreeze and 50% water mixture.
If you’re like most drivers, you probably don’t think about the air filter in your engine until it’s time to replace it. But did you know that a dirty filter can rob up to 10% of your engine’s power? That’s why changing your air filter is one of the most important steps in winter car maintenance. Make sure to have your mechanic check and change the filter at least once during winter months. And if you haven’t changed the filter since last year, now is a good time!
Winter is a great time to change your wiper blades. You’ll be happy you did because snow and sleet will make them freeze and get stuck to your windshield, making it hard to see. Windshield wipers are essential tools when it comes to driving safely in inclement weather. You should change them every six months, so they provide a clean and streak-free surface on your windshields.
Check your tires and make sure there is enough air in them. Be careful with the outside temperature if you are going to be using a compressor. Check your tire pressure at least once a month. Tire pressure drops as the air gets colder, so it’s important to check it often. For an accurate reading, have your tires inflated to the recommended PSI by the manufacturer of your vehicle.
Are you ready for winter? Contact us at Allegiance Automotive today to get your car or truck ready for the months ahead.