Cars are incredible machines. They can run hundreds of miles an hour. They can withstand years and years of wear and tear. With just a full tank of gas, you can cross state borders and explore big cities. The thing is you have to use and maintain them properly to maximize their potential. It’s not enough that you clean and change filters every once in a while. You must also prep them for extreme weather. This is especially important for the cold season. The low temperatures can cause serious damages. The great news is that you can avoid costly repairs with preventive measures.
Here are five things you should do to prepare your car for the winter:
Before You Start Your Engines
Protect your Cummins engine parts by keeping them warm during winter. Use a heavy-duty antifreeze to regulate the temperature of the entire engine. The best thing about engine coolants is that it works both ways. It doesn’t just keep the engine parts from freezing but it also keeps it from overheating. Before you go out to the nearest auto parts store, make sure to read the car manual first. You can usually find recommendations of the type that best suits the vehicle. Some coolants have additives built for bigger cars, while others are less particular.
Once your engine is prepped for winter, it’s crucial to use them correctly. Don’t waste precious fuel and time by keeping the car on idle for an extended period. Besides the waste, it can also harm your engine because it strips off oil that’s needed so it can run properly. While it was necessary to warm up cars in the 1980s, your newer car doesn’t need the time. You only need to wait a few seconds before you can start driving.
Keep the Pests Away
When it comes to cold weather, it’s all about keeping warm. It’s normal to seal leaks and fix drafty windows to keep the cold out of the house. People also wear layers each time they go out to feel comfortable. The thing is it’s not just people who need to feel the warmth during winter. Rats and mice cope by looking for warm spots. The problem is when they choose to hide out in your car. It’s one thing to use your vehicle as a temporary shelter. But they can also chew important wires and even transmit dangerous diseases.
Before the first snow falls, it’s best to take precautions. Make sure there aren’t any food or even crumbs inside the vehicle. The smell of food not only attracts rodents but also other types of pests. Park your car inside of the garage so it’s not exposed outdoors. If you don’t have one, there’s an alternative. You can use a car cover to prevent pests from entering the vehicle. There are a lot of varieties that can also protect your vehicle from wind and sun damage. You should also try to start the engine once in a while to disturb any rodents inside.
Replace the Vital Parts
Even the most experienced drivers can have trouble driving during winter. The roads are slippery, and the visibility is low. That’s why it’s important to make sure your car is in top shape. You don’t want to make it harder on yourself. Even if you have little plans to drive during the cold months, it’s best to keep your car ready to go. You never know when an emergency might happen, and you might need to drive immediately. One of the things you can do to prep your car is by replacing the parts ahead of time.
A good place to start is by changing the tires. Even if you have all-season tires, snow tires still perform better during winter. Their texture allows them to grip the ground better which is crucial on slippery roads. It also means that you can control the vehicle better. It’s easier to change directions and use the breaks. Besides the tires, you can also prepare the car batteries. Lack of usage can lead to battery drainage. It’s even worse if your car has a lot of fancy features that use a lot of power. To ensure that your battery won’t drain, you can disconnect it from the car. But this is only advisable if you’re not going to use the vehicle for months because it will reset the settings. If it’s been awhile since you’ve gotten a new battery, it might be time to replace it.
Although your car is built to tolerate a lot, it’s better to take precautions. It will not only ensure that the vehicle will perform better but it will also help it last longer.
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