Tips for Getting Your Car Ready for Winter

Did you know that October is Fall Car Care Month? It's very important to take care of your car now because you don't want your car to fail you when winter comes. Your car is an investment and the more proactive you are with maintenance, the more life you'll get out of it. Plus, you might save yourself a major headache or expense down the road. Here are several tips to keep in mind to make your winter driving in NJ as painless as possible:

Find a Dealer who Offers Fair Pricing on Services: One of the most important things to remember is that if you do have an issue with your car, you need to find a dealer or mechanic that will offer fair pricing on all repairs. Finding the right mechanic is crucial. This concept was even the basis of a Seinfeld episode. Autoland in Springfield, NJ provides all customers with fair pricing on all preventative services and a variety of repairs. We are even open on Sundays.

Check Your Tires for Wear: Winter can be harsh on your tires – especially if you live in an area where there is a lot of snow. If you have a lot of wear on your tires or uneven wear, this can be especially dangerous. Check and see if it's just an issue of inflation. If not, there could be a problem with alignment. It might be best to take it to an auto shop to diagnose the problem before it causes a major issue.

Keep Your Battery Corrosion-free: Wintertime can be tough on a battery. Go to an auto shop on a very cold day, and you'll plenty of people there shopping for a new battery.  Therefore, fall is a good time to take a look at your battery and check all connections for corrosion. It might be a good idea to get your battery tested as well to make sure it will be up to the challenge of winter.

Make Sure Your HVAC System Is in Good Working Order: You probably won't be using your AC anytime soon, but you will definitely need your heater and defroster. Your heater will more be for comfort, so it's not exactly necessary, but your defroster can be a life-saver, especially if you experience ice or snow. Check your HVAC system now before more extreme weather hits. Additionally, it might be a good idea to check your windshield wipers. They should be replaced approximately twice a year.

Evaluate Your Brakes: Your brakes are obviously crucial, but especially in the winter time during treacherous conditions, like snow or ice. Therefore, it might be a good idea to have a professional check your brakes to make sure all components are in working order. Getting a rotor replaced will be far less expensive than waiting and increasing the risk of your brake system failing.

As Ned Stark would say, winter is coming. Get prepared for it by getting your car checked now. Staying on top of all maintenance now may benefit you when you need your car running properly the most.