Winter in St. Charles, MO is usually a season of joy and happiness, usually. However, with the cold winter weather, it can be a very unpleasant season for your vehicle. Winter weather can lead to increased stress and cause numerous amounts of safety issues for you when you are driving. The snow and ice make your vehicle’s traction and your vision a luxury. Potholes cause havoc on your wheels and tires while also weakening suspensions. This can quickly turn your driving experience into a nightmare. However, there are ways to prepare your vehicle prepared for the winter season.
Exterior Treatments
If your vehicle’s exterior has suffered damage recently that requires repairs, the best thing you can do this winter season is to get it taken care of as soon as possible. This is because the colder weather conditions can speed up the corrosion and rust process on your vehicle’s dents and dings. When the weather is not too cold, a good polishing and cleaning of the exterior will help provide protection from the harsher elements that occur during this season.
Check Fluids During the Winter
Your car uses a variety of fluids to perform properly, so you want to make sure that they are all in order during the colder months. Check to make sure your brake fluid, transmission oil, and power steering fluid are all properly filled, to prevent damage from occurring to your vehicle. Also, try topping off the windshield fluid with a solution that contains anti-freeze in order to help you utilize your windshield during this colder season. Besides checking the windshield fluid, make sure the nozzles are properly aimed and your wipers are in good condition. This way you will keep your visibility up during the snow and rain that comes during these months.
Battery Protection
During the winter months, your vehicle’s battery will require more power than usual to start an engine. Ensuring that your battery is properly maintained is vital during these colder months as it protects you from being stranded later down the line. You should make sure that it has a charge of at least 12.4 volts and needs to be properly topped off to the level line. You should make sure that your battery cables are properly secured and are without breaks or cracks. Also, make sure that the connectors are properly clean and fit tightly to the terminal posts of your vehicle’s battery.
Winter Tire Maintenance
Ensuring that your vehicle’s tires are in good condition is one of the most important things during the colder season. This is because snow and ice are common during this time, and driving in it can become tricky if your tires are not maintained properly. You need to make sure that they are properly inflated, and that they have plenty of treads to keep you safe on the road.
Engine Oil Check-Ups
Ensuring that you change the filter and oil in your engine is smart during this cold weather. Try running a thinner oil during the winter season, especially here in St. Charles, MO as the weather can drop below freezing. This allows you to ensure that your car’s engine is working as efficiently as possible during the freezing cold weather that can happen.
If you want to learn more about safe driving in the St. Charles, MO area during the colder weather, give us at Augie’s Towing & Transportation a call today!
