“I mean, if you love what you do-whether you’re an auto mechanic or you sew clothes or you cook-it’s all about personal passion and love that really makes the thrust to the level that you want to get it to.” — Emeril Lagasse
I used to watch Emeril Live every chance that I got. He was the man, cooking the perfect food and yelling out ‘Bam’ and wanting to create ‘Smell O Vision’. He was there every night taking the time to show us how to cook a Southern meal to perfection. His tips to cooking were basic and it helped me stay fed and strong for so many years. When dealing with your auto care needs, there are so many tips out there to help keep your car healthy and running to perfection.
For this blog post, I thought a winter auto care tip list would be something everyone would appreciate. There are so many things that can happen to your car during the rainy and cold season. Having something to refer to, to help with your auto care during this crazy season is what we hope you’ll appreciate. We also hope you’ll contact us with anything having to do with your auto care.
Auto Care – What to Look for
Batteries
The first thing for your winter auto care list is about your car’s battery. For many reasons, your battery can get stressed out during the winter season; especially if you must park your car outdoors. Your battery will be put to the test when it’s cold. There’s not a worse feeling than to turn on your car and the battery doesn’t turn over.
Keeping an eye on your battery and its performance is easy. It doesn’t cost a lot to load test your battery. Contact us and we’ll test it for you. We can provide you with a new battery if it’s in need of being replaced. Or you can seek out other options. But, this auto care tip is so important because without a proper battery, your car won’t run right or at all.
Anti-freeze
We can’t stress enough how vital this auto care tip really is. Checking, draining and re-filling your Anti-freeze or engine coolant is our first or second thought when it comes to winter auto care. My cousin drives a Chevy Equinox, which has over 190,000 miles on it. He delivers newspapers and his car is being put to the test each time he starts and stops. Over 400 times a night his mile-filled car is being stopped and started. His car has acted up quite a bit this winter season and we told him it most likely has to do with his engine coolant level being low. We told him to always be on the lookout for this and to bring it into his local repair shop to check his levels since he doesn’t know how to do it himself.
Tire Pressure
It’s also extremely important for your auto care during the winter season, to check your tire’s pressure. Tires lose a pound of pressure for every drop of 10 degrees Fahrenheit. An underinflated tire won’t be able to get through snow or get past the water from the rain. It’s very dangerous because your car will hydroplane and leave you with no control over your car.
Also, don’t forget to put the valve caps back on when you’re done checking the pressure level of your tires. If there are any cracks on those valves, get them replaced as soon as you can. If any sort of moisture seeps in it’ll freeze your caps. This will lead to those valves leaking out air from your tires and make it dangerous for you to drive during the winter season.
Leaves or Debris
This auto care tip is something many auto owners don’t pay enough attention to. When the season changes and those leaves start to fall, they fall on your car and they build up. Most people think, they’ll fly away, but they don’t. They build up, slip underneath the hood and can cause considerable damage to your car. It can block water from flowing out and lead to leaks or corrosion. So, remove those leaves, twigs or any other debris from your hood or just below your cars front windshield.
Also, keep an eye out for any signs that animals have spent any time on top pf your vehicle. Animals can nest underneath your hood. It’s hard to fix this yourself if a major problem is occurring, so contact us at all Around Auto Repair and we’ll do our best to remove any animal related problems.
Auto Care
These are just a few, of many, simple auto care tips that you can refer to, to help keep your car running at it’s optimal level during the winter season. There are so many unforeseen damages that’ll happen to your car during this winter season, so keeping tabs on any changes to your car will only benefit you. If you have any more questions or concerns, or would just like to know more auto care tips for all seasons, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
FAQ: Winter Auto Care Tips
1. Why is battery maintenance crucial for winter auto care?
Battery stress increases in cold weather, risking failure when starting your car. Regular battery checks and load testing ensure optimal performance, preventing frustrating breakdowns in chilly conditions.
2. How important is checking and replenishing engine coolant for winter driving?
Engine coolant, or antifreeze, prevents engine freezing and overheating. Regular inspection and refilling safeguard against engine damage, ensuring smooth operation even in the coldest temperatures.
3. What’s the significance of monitoring tire pressure during winter?
Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop, affecting traction and control. Regular pressure checks prevent dangerous situations like hydroplaning, enhancing safety and stability on slippery roads.
4. Why should drivers remove leaves and debris from their vehicles during winter?
Leaves and debris accumulation can block essential components, leading to water buildup and corrosion. Regular cleaning prevents damage and ensures optimal functioning, promoting longevity and reliability.
5. How can animal-related issues impact vehicle performance in winter?
Animals nesting in vehicles can cause significant damage, affecting crucial systems and components. Prompt detection and intervention by professionals prevent costly repairs, ensuring uninterrupted winter driving.
6. Why are valve caps essential for tire maintenance in winter?
Valve caps prevent moisture from entering tire valves, which can cause freezing and air leaks. Proper maintenance, including replacing cracked caps, safeguards against tire-related issues during cold weather.
7. What role does tire pressure play in preventing hydroplaning?
Adequately inflated tires maintain proper traction, reducing the risk of hydroplaning on wet or icy roads. Regular pressure checks and adjustments ensure optimal tire performance for safe winter driving.
8. How can drivers identify signs of low engine coolant levels?
Symptoms of low engine coolant include engine overheating, reduced heater effectiveness, and dashboard warning lights. Timely coolant checks and refills prevent engine damage and maintain internal temperatures.
9. Why is it important to maintain a clean and organized auto repair shop?
A tidy shop environment reflects professionalism and attention to detail, ensuring quality service and customer satisfaction. Cleanliness and organization contribute to a positive customer experience and trust in the repair shop.
10. What are the benefits of seeking professional battery testing and replacement?
Professional battery testing identifies potential issues before they escalate, preventing unexpected breakdowns. Expert replacement ensures reliable performance, allowing drivers to navigate winter conditions with confidence.
