Making sure your car is in the proper condition to operate in the winter season.
Getting your car ready for winter
The winter season can cause more damage to your car than any other season. The weather can be unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean the performance from your car has to be. We here at Bachman’s Auto Repair, Inc. want to make sure that your car is ready for winter.
Potholes are common in the winter months due to precipitation falling through the cracks in the pavement and freezing over time. Eventually, the newly formed ice will break the pavement apart, and the ice will slowly melt. The result can leave a large hole right in the middle of the road. Sometimes, these can be hard to avoid, and if you drive over them, they can do more than just damage your tires. Your wheels, suspension, axles, and even your exhaust can all be at risk if you hit too many potholes.
A good way to prepare for this is to constantly check your car whenever you can. For example, feeling the air pressure in your tires and checking the rim is a good idea before driving anywhere. Another way to prepare is to consider getting new tires and scheduling an inspection just for peace of mind.
Your car is also more susceptible to the cold than you may think. When the temperature drops, it becomes harder for your car to start and operate. There are several reasons for this. Your motor oil hardens and sticks as does the compound found in your tires. If your tires get too hard, they can lose their grip, which is a necessity when driving on icy roads. Your battery also must burn more energy upon initial start-up to power the car, which can reduce its overall lifespan.
The cold also interferes with your fuel consumption, as well as making your windshield more susceptible to damage. Contrary to popular belief, using hot water to clear your windshield will only crack and damage it.
It also goes without saying that the car’s heaters will be cold and take much longer to warm than normal, freezing the interior. The best thing to do ahead of time is to let your car run for a bit before you start to drive. Giving your car the chance warm up slowly will allow it to run more efficiently during your next trip.
At Bachman’s Auto Repair, we want to make sure that you have the knowledge to understand how your car works. However, if you have any questions, or if you want to schedule an inspection, please contact us, or give us a call at (610) 678-9020.
