Winter has arrived, and the holidays are quickly approaching! Winter can be interesting for auto repairs in Williston, ND if you do not keep up on needed maintenance. Here are six items to watch this winter so your car will continue to serve you loyally, no matter what the winter brings:
- Buy a new battery: Some customers change out their battery before winter as a precaution. That is frequently excessive, but they are right on one point: winter is tough on batteries. This is especially true if your battery is already compromised. If your summer and fall were spent looking for people with jumper cables, you are already late on replacing your battery. Do that today so you are not stranded later.
- Check coolant levels: You may associate coolant with your air conditioner, but it helps your heater, too. Look for leaks now and you will not be driving in snow in subzero temperatures with no heat. If you suspect your coolant needs to be replaced, take your car in for a coolant flush. Now is the time to find and solve any problems associated with your coolant.
- Change your wiper blades: You rely on windshield wipers more in the winter, when weather is wet and frequently unpredictable. When ice hits your windshield more frequently due to a particularly cold winter or a car that is not kept in the garage, you will wear out the wiper blades quicker. Never run the wipers when they are frozen to your windshield, and keep an eye on their condition. You can also preserve them by propping them off your windshield before a cold, snowy night. If you do not remember when you last changed them, switch them out now.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Holiday road trips can be a festive adventure or a nightmare. Prepare in case you find yourself stranded. Stock an emergency kit with needed items like jumper cables, flashlights, extra batteries for flashlights and extra fuses. Add thermal blankets, or even consider keeping a sleeping bag in your car. If you must pull over and bundle up, you will be thankful for these items.
- Clean the air plenum: The vented spot in front of your windshield is called the air plenum. It facilitates water drainage and air circulation. When it fills up with dirt and snow, it cannot accomplish these tasks. Clean it out when you see leaves and debris accumulate and brush snow from it. This will keep your car watertight when heavy precipitation or extra-dirty roads become winter challenges.
- Inspect your tires: Measure your tread first. Place a penny in your tread Lincoln’s-head-first, and that will help determine if you need to replace your tires. If the tread does not cover his head, it is time to get new tires. If the tread is fine, keep your tires properly inflated. Tires lose one pound of air for every temperature drop of 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Check them every morning.
If you need any auto repairs in Williston, ND this winter, be sure to contact the team at Chaney Total Auto & Exhaust Repair for outstanding workmanship and friendly service.