Winter is officially here! That means it’s time to pack up your things and head to your favorite vacation spot or your hometown for the holidays. However, before hitting the road, it’s important to get your car ready for the cold weather. If you don’t take the time to prepare your car for the winter season, it may not operate properly and cause unfortunate (and possibly expensive) problems. That’s why we’ve prepared this winter car safety checklist so that you’re ready to take on any weather.
Winter Car Maintenance Checklist
Check Your Tire Pressure
Many people don’t realize that the change in temperature can affect their tire pressure, so you may need to inflate your tires more often during the colder months. The good thing is that checking your tires is fast and easy; just look for somewhere that has an air compressor, such as your local gas station. You can use a handheld gauge, a free-standing pressure gauge, or the pressure gauge on the handle of an older air compressor to measure your tire’s pressure.
Check Your Fluids
You may be wondering, what fluids should you check in your car? This is a commonly asked question, and many people feel intimidated by the different kinds of fluids. The fluids that you should be checking regularly are:
- Engine oil, Coolant (Antifreeze)
- Power steering fluid
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid (only in automatic cars)
- Windshield washer fluid
While you can check your car owner’s manual to get instructions on how to check some of these fluids, you can also take your vehicle to your mechanic.
Inspect Your Car
You should get your car inspected every 3 to 6 months to avoid expensive repairs in the future. To prepare your car for the dropping temperature, you should plan to get an inspection before winter begins. This inspection guarantees that your engine and other parts of your car are ready to take on the cold weather. If you’re wondering how to get your car inspected, all you have to do is set an appointment with a mechanic. While the price may vary depending on where you live and where you get your inspection, it typically ranges from $14.50 to $39.75 in Texas.
Stock Up on Winter Emergency Car Kit Items
You never know when you’re going to have an emergency, and it’s even more crucial that you have the right supplies on hand during the winter months. Some of the essential emergency items include:
- Jumper cables
- Car cell phone charger
- Warm blankets
- First-aid kit
- Shovel
- Clothing to keep you warm (hats, boots, gloves)
- Ice scraper
- Flashlight
Get Your Vehicle Detailed
Car detailing services help prepare your car for the changing weather conditions. A great car detail will remove built up dirt that’s hard to remove with just a regular wash. It also gives your car an extra layer of protection to take on the snow and prevent rust from forming. An interior cleaning is also important because it provides moisture to certain areas that may need extra protection, such as leather seats. And not to mention that it just feels good to start the holiday season with a clean car!
At Rinzer, we know how important it is to get your car ready for the winter season; after all, who wants to drive around in a dirty car? That’s why our mobile car wash has 4 different plans to choose from so that you can find the right services that work for you. Even more, our on-demand car wash comes to you! All you have to do is let us know which wash you want, when and where you want it, and we’ll take care of the rest. To learn more about our services, click here.
