As the air turns crisp with the signs of fall, it’s a great time to prepare your car for the cooler weather ahead. Use these tips to help ensure you and your vehicle are ready for safe and comfortable driving, especially during the harsh winter season.

Prep Your Car for Cooler Weather

Even though there are no signs of ice and snow in the forecast yet, it’s a good idea to make sure you and your car are ready for when it comes. Winter will be here before you know it. Take advantage of these moderate fall days to prepare. Here are some of the major car features to check:

Winterized Tires

• Assess the thread depth to make sure it’s deep enough to grip slippery roads.
• Tire pressure drops in cold weather, so keep an eye on the proper levels.
• If you use winter tires for better traction, make sure they’re ready to go before it’s too late.

Cold-Weather Battery

• The cold can cause a battery to die quicker or perform poorly. Test to make sure it’s properly holding a charge.
• Ensure connections are secure and free of corrosion.

Optimal Fluids

• Top off the antifreeze to prevent the engine from seizing.
• Swap your windshield washer fluid with a winter formula to prevent freezing.
• Consider using a winter-grade oil designed to easily flow in low temperatures.
• Make sure you have enough brake fluid, and check the condition of the brakes themselves.

Other Winter Essentials

• Run the heater to make sure it’s still warming efficiently.
• Test the defrosters as soon as you get a frosty or foggy morning.
• Replace worn windshield wipers and consider using a winterized design to effectively remove snow and ice.
• Inspect belts and hoses for cracks since they can easily break in the cold. Replace any showing signs of damage.
• Check the exhaust system for leaks to help avoid carbon monoxide from building up while warming up your car.
• Defog headlights and make sure all lights and signals are working properly.
• Test four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) features.

Everyday Automotive Emergency Kit

Replenish any first aid items you may have used, and add some winter necessities such as warm clothes, blanket, ice scraper, shovel, or sand for traction.

Car Wash and Wax

Apply a wax coating to help protect the finish from snow, salt, and salty slush. Regularly washing your car during the winter helps to remove harmful buildup of salt and chemical deicers in, around, and under your vehicle.

Let SPA Car Wash Help Prep Your Car this Season

From regular washes to high quality waxing, SPA provides a number of services that are sure to have your car clean, detailed, and ready for the road ahead. Call today for more information about our soft cloth car wash and detail packages or stop by for a quick visit.