Car Care in the Winter Months

NY Car Maintenance | Smithtown Cars Under 10K

The fall leaves are almost gone, and winter will be coming soon. Snow and cold weather are extreme conditions that can be rough on your vehicle and it is important to be prepared for the issues that extreme conditions can cause. Winter car care can be divided into two categories: service on your vehicle, and other ways to prepare.

1. A radiator flush. This gets out the old fluid, and fresh anti-freeze keeps the engine from freezing in the winter.

2. Belt and hose check. This is a great way to make sure the cold weather doesn’t damage the belts and hoses and ensures you are safe driving in the snow.

3. Replace the wipers and fill with wiper fluid. You need your windshield wipers to work well in winter, especially when there is a lot of snowfall and ice. Also, it is a good idea to choose a wiper fluid that melts ice.

4. Check the tires. It is important for the tires to be in good condition so you don’t slide on snow and ice. Check the tread and tire pressure before winter starts, and throughout winter.

5. Check the battery for corrosion. You can do this by opening the hood. If you see white around the battery, clean it with baking soda and water.

1. Keep an emergency kit in the car. In this should be first aid materials, engine coolant or washer fluid, flares, blankets, ice-scraper, and jumper cables.

2. Buy de-icer and keep it in your house. De-icer is used to melt a frozen lock on your car. If your door freezes shut and you are without de-icer, you can also plug in a hair dryer to heat up the frozen area, although that is not always practical.

3. Keep the gas tank at half or higher. If the gas is lower, moisture in the gas line can freeze in the winter, which can cause issues.

There are many things you can do to winterize your car and ensure a safe driving experience in the winter. If you are concerned that your vehicle might not make it through another long New York winter, come in to Certified Headquarters. We have hundreds of certified preowned vehicles at our Used Car dealership for you to choose from. We are located at 873 Middle Country Road, in St. James, New York.