Driving on the road daily is known to present certain challenges to drivers most of which are easily remedied, however driving during winter season is an entirely different story and should not be taken for granted by any driver or any road user for that matter. This makes winter vehicle maintenance all the more important.
Winter Vehicle Maintenance Precaution
Practicing winter vehicle maintenance is the only way of making sure that your vehicle is well equipped and in excellent working condition so as to ensure your safety and the safety of other road users during the dreaded winter season. Skidding out on smooth icy roads or what some call ‘black ice’ and ending up in a ditch or worse isn’t the best way to remind you that your tires need replacing. Why wait until something life threatening happens to get new tires? Remember once winter begins these tires tend to be in limited supply. Start off your winter vehicle maintenance regime by making sure you pick up a set of new tires today.
When purchasing tires for winter make sure they are winter grade tires or snow tires as most of us refer to them . These tires have traction that is required when driving on ice. If your area gets occasional snow a new set of all-season tires should do the job perfectly.
If you reside where snow is constantly present consider buying winter tires mounted on inexpensive steel wheels. These carry tread patterns with rubber compounds specially designed to grip icy roads for optimum traction. Winter tires generally have shorter tread lives and generate more road noise than typical tires but the extra safety they provide is certainly worth the compromise.
As a driver ensuring that you always have a perfect view of the road is critical. During winter with snow constantly falling making sure your windshield wiper blades are in excellent working condition is necessary, as this mechanism is what will help to make navigating roads as easy as possible when snow is falling.
Sometimes replacing wiper blades may need to be done more often than you think. Tests have proven that even the best-performing wiper blades begin to lose their effectiveness in as little as six months. Streaks or missed expanses of glass are sure signs that wiper blades are ready for retirement. Therefore it is recommended that wiper blades be replaced at least twice per year to make sure they are functioning correctly especially during winter.
One of the most important aspects of winter vehicle maintenance for any vehicle is constantly checking and replenishing motor oil. Cold weather can cause the motor oil in your vehicle to be come thick which can really impede the way your engine functions. To tackle this issue drivers should purchase a multi-viscosity motor oil that has a “W” in the viscosity index signifying its formulation for winter use.
Nevertheless drivers should always refer to the owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer’s recommendations are when changing their motor oil. In addition drivers getting an oil change should also remember to replace the oil filter to ensure the system has the maximum amount of flow.
For further maintenance while your vehicle is in the shop be sure to have the radiator and heater hoses checked for cracks, leaks, or contamination from oil or grease. Hoses should should always be firm yet pliable when you squeeze them and if they feel brittle or overly soft they should be discarded and replaced with new ones.
You can never be too prepared for the winter season as so many accidents and fatalities take place on the road during this time. It is therefore critical that you contact us so that your vehicle is properly maintained and in excellent working condition as this is the only way to protect yourself and your family.
