Days are shorter, nights are longer and the cold, rainy weather is finally here in California. While we may not get winters full of snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures, the colder weather and elements can have an effect on your vehicle. That’s why the master San Luis Obispo mechanics at Certified Auto Repair SLO have put together a winter car maintenance checklist to ensure your car keeps you safe and sound when the weather is a little ominous.
Check your battery
The battery of your car will be the first thing to be affected by the cold weather because cold weather will drain any battery, not just including your car battery. That is why it will be the first thing to go and it will drain quickly if it is not strong. You can get your battery tested at your local auto store for free and even buy a new one right there with a multi-year guarantee so if anything happens to it then you can just get it changed for free and you will not have to worry. A battery is something that will be charged by your vehicle by running it more. The cold weather will only really impact a bad battery that is older and doesn’t have as great of a charge to it.
Prepare your tires
Your tires will be the next things affected by the cold weather. More specifically, your tire pressure will be the thing affected by the cold weather. Cold weather makes air retract and leave tires quickly. This can cause your tire pressure monitors to go off because they will sense that your tires are not filled to the maximum levels of performance. The best thing you can do about this is to preemptively prepare for your tires to deflate a little by inflating them before the winter season starts and throughout the entire winter season as well. That way, you will be better prepared for the cold weather that you have coming your way. In addition, getting new tires before the weather gets cold will also help save your tires because they will be less likely to get a leak in them and lose air if they are new.
Inspect belts and hoses
The belts and hoses on your vehicle can easily start to freeze up if they are not properly adjusted before the cold weather starts. It is because these components are mainly comprised of rubber which easily affected by the weather it makes it harden and then it might crack or even develop some holes in it. Just like the battery, the older your belts and hoses are the more susceptible they will be to the cold weather and damage.
Replace your windshield wipers
It’s a lot more likely to rain on California’s Central Coast than snow. And when you don’t use your windshield wipers for a long period of time over the summer and fall, they tend to wear out. That’s why you’ll want to replace them in time for the first rain so you can ensure a clear view through your windshield.
Call the pros at Certified Auto Repair SLO
For more winter car maintenance tips, call the pros at Certified Auto Repair in San Luis Obispo. This way, you will not have to worry about the cold weather affecting your car when you are trying to make your way through a winter storm. It can save you a world of expenses and headaches.