Gearing Up for Cold Weather Driving

Winter is coming! AccuWeather predicts an extended winter for New Jersey and Pennsylvania, with cold and snowy conditions likely stretching into the spring. Be prepared for winter driving by following these cold weather vehicle maintenance tips.

Emergency Supplies

In the event of an emergency, such as a breakdown, you want to have an emergency kit at your disposal. Your emergency kit should be kept in your car and include an ice scraper and snow brush, warm clothing and gloves, extra boots, blankets, a radio, a flashlight and extra batteries, a car phone charger, flares, food, and water. 

Tires

Low air pressure and worn tires reduce traction and make driving particularly dangerous on wet, slick and icy roads. Inspect your tires for signs of uneven wearing, cupping, and abrasions, and check the remaining tread life. Replace any worn or damaged tires.

Refer to your owner's manual for the proper tire pressure. Check the pressure at least monthly; let your tires cool down beforehand be taking the pressure. Also rotate your tires as recommended, and make sure you have a healthy spare and jack on hand, just in case. 

Fluids

Check your vehicle's fluid levels, including the engine oil, coolant, and wiper fluid.

• Oil: Changing your oil as recommended keeps the engine clean and helps it last longer. A thinner engine oil is usually recommended when the temperature falls below freezing. Refer to the owner's manual or consult your mechanic for the right type of oil for your vehicle.
• Coolant: Maintaining the correct antifreeze-to-water ratio helps protect your engine and radiator. Have the cooling system flushed and refilled with new fluid when required, and have the coolant tested to ensure it can withstand cold temperatures. 
• Wiper fluid: Snow and rain can impair your vision, so your vehicle must be equipped with anti-freeze wiper fluid to maintain a clean and clear windshield. 

 Wiper Blades

Along with wiper fluid, the wiper blades must be in good condition. Wipers that are old, cracked or worn will leave streaks on your windshield and only obstruct your vision. Replace your wipers if they don't completely clear the glass.

Battery

A dead battery can leave you stranded, and it's harder for a battery to start the engine in cold weather. Have a service technician inspect your battery to ensure it's in good condition. A professional will inspect the cables and terminals for proper attachment and signs of damage and corrosion. 

Defroster and Heater

A well-functioning defroster and heater are essential for comfortable and safe winter driving. Have your heating system inspected and repaired before winter hits to avoid any problems.

Many car dealers in New Jersey have certified technicians on-site who offer vehicle service and repairs. Head to the dealership today to winterize your vehicle.

October is Fall Car Care Month

October is Fall Car Care Month, an event that aims to remind motorists to perform routine maintenance and repairs on their vehicles before the temperatures drop. Making sure your vehicle's parts are up to standard is key to preventing accidents and breakdowns during severe winter weather. Winter conditions increase the risk for problems like sluggish performance, rough idling and hard starts, so servicing and repairing your vehicles before the cold, snowy weather approaches is of the utmost importance. Providing maintenance during fall will help ensure you get all the parts and repairs you need in time for the season.

According to the results of vehicle check-ups performed at community car care events nationwide by the Car Care Council, an estimated 80% of vehicles need service or parts. In honor of Car Care Month, here are some essential maintenance tips for getting your vehicle ready for winter:

Battery: Winter conditions can be tough on your battery. Without a fully charged battery in good condition, your vehicle will be unable to start in cold weather. Test your battery and charging system to ensure they're in good condition. Completely charge your battery, and replace it if necessary. Make sure the connection is tight and free from corrosion.  

Tires: If you live in a region that experiences severe winter conditions, install snow tires on all four wheels. All-season tires with an adequate tread depth are sufficient for light-to-moderate snow conditions. Inspect the tire tread depth and tire pressure of all four tires, as well as the spare. Replace tires with less than 3/32-inches of tread. During the winter, tire pressures can drop, so you will need to check the pressure weekly. Make sure your tires have the appropriate amount of pressure, which can be found in on a sticker by the driver's side door jam and in the owner's manual. 

Brakes: The brakes are your vehicle's most important safety feature. To eliminate the risk of your brake system failing, have it inspected by a trained technician to ensure it is in working order.

Windshield Wipers: Your windshield wipers should be replaced every six months. Test your wipers to make sure they are working properly. If the blade isn't fully clearing the glass or leaving steaks, you need to replace it. For your washer fluid, use a cleaning solution containing antifreeze to prevent it from freezing.

Lights: See that all the interior and exterior lights are in working order, and replace any burnt out bulbs.

Fluid and Coolant Levels: Make sure the transmission, brake and power steering fluids and coolant are at or above the minimum safe levels.

Heating System: Your heating system is critical to your comfort, as well as safety. Check that your heater and defroster are operating efficiently.

Emergency Kit: Equip your vehicle with an ice scraper and snow bush, and store them where they are easily accessible. Also carry an emergency kit with a flash light, jumper cables, first-aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food, blankets, warning devices and extra clothes.

To ensure your vehicle is ready to tackle the winter season, take your car to 1800 Auto Land. As one of the leading car dealers in NJ, we have certified technicians available to service your vehicle. Contact us today: (877) 537-6035.