The cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your car if you haven’t been diligent with maintenance. Aging rubber parts can become brittle and break. Furthermore, winter weather can rob your old battery of the capacity to start your car. As the mercury plummets, be sure to check prepare car for winter off your chore list.
At Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville, we’ve got you covered! Our ASE-certified technicians can take care of all your maintenance needs for foreign and domestic vehicles. For over 25 years, we’ve been serving the Kernersville community with a smile.
Your Tires In Cold Weather
Certainly, your tires are one of the most important parts of your car. They support the weight of your vehicle, absorb shock from the road surface, and supply traction.
Usually, most people associate snow and ice as the primary hazards of winter. However, freezing temperatures can also greatly affect your tires. The cold causes the air in your wheels to contract lowering pressure.
As your tire loses pressure, it becomes underinflated giving up some of its stability. You’ll find your car harder to handle and stop. Combined with a slick, icy road, you have a recipe for disaster.
What About Winter Tires?
Unfortunately, forty-one percent of all weather-related car crashes are due to conditions involving snow, sleet, ice, and slush. One way to help prevent such accidents is to use winter tires.
Primarily, all-season tires perform well in a variety of conditions. However, manufacturers produce tires specifically for colder temperatures and snowy conditions.
As North Carolina doesn’t usually get an abundance of snow, you may think you don’t need winter tires. Additionally, you may think you’re safe from slipping because you drive a 4-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle. However, winter tires are for anyone who drives in temperatures that dip to freezing levels.
First, manufacturers use a different kind of rubber in winter tires. It’s designed to give the tire more flexibility and grip. Whereas all-season tires contain rubber that can become stiff in cold temperatures. This can make your car more susceptible to sliding.
Additionally, winter tires have deeper tread depths arranged in a particular pattern to expel water. Expelling water is important so that your wheel makes contact with the road preventing hydroplaning.
Finally, winter tires have sipes. These are slits cut into the tread that enhances the tires’ gripping and performance ability.
What Other Parts Of My Car Need Maintenance Before The Cold Weather Sets In?
Certainly, preparing your car for winter can keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently. Freezing temperatures can affect many parts of your automobile. Besides tires, you should inspect your battery, fluids, and rubber components.
Generally, the cold temperatures slow down the chemical reaction in your car battery reducing its capacity. Thus, you may find it difficult to start your car. Moreover, older batteries are at a higher risk of dying in colder temperatures.
In addition, cold makes rubber and plastic components brittle. Consequently, old and aging parts are prone to breaking in winter. Be sure to check all these parts paying special attention to belts and hoses.
Typically, winter temperatures also affect many engine fluids. Engine oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid all become more viscous in the cold. Compound freezing temperatures with old, dirty fluid and you could have a very serious problem.
Unfortunately, most vehicle owners forget to check their wipers and fluid until they’re driving in inclement weather. Yet, cracked, split, or uneven wear on your blades can cause streaking reducing visibility. Forgetting to keep your wiper fluid reservoir filled will leave you with a dirty, streaked window. Moreover, running your blades over without wiper fluid will wear your blades down quicker.
Prepare Car For Winter – FAQs
Knowing the best ways to prepare car for winter can save you many hassles and perhaps even a breakdown. To help you take proper care of your vehicle, we’ve answered a few of our most commonly asked questions below.
Should I Only Be Concerned With My Engine?
Often, car owners focus solely on the mechanical aspects of their cars. Yet, both the exterior and interior need special attention too, especially in the winter. Your paint, trim, door seals, and interior components can suffer from the effects of wintery conditions.
Accordingly, you’ll want to give your exterior a good wash and apply a protective wax to your finish. You might also want to clean and condition your car’s weather stripping, tires, and trim.
We can take care of all that for you! In addition to taking care of all your mechanical needs, we offer both car washing and detailing services. With minimal effort, we can wash your car and apply a protective coat of wax. Moreover, our detailing service will give your car a full interior deep clean while conditioning surfaces.
Do You Offer Gift Cards?
Yes! Our gift cards are great for those hard to buy for friends and family members. Available to purchase in any amount up to $100, your recipient can use it for any of our services. This includes car washing and oil changes.
What Makes Your Auto Shop Different From Others?
Havoline Xpress Lube of Kernersville performs high-quality service at competitive pricing. While many shops can say that too, not many know their customers by name. You see, when you bring your car to us, you become one of our family and we treat you as such. It’s one of the reasons why many of your neighbors trust us with their vehicles.
When you need automotive maintenance, repair, or cleaning, you can rely on us. To book an appointment, call us at 336-993-7697. We can’t wait for you to join our community family!
