With night coming early and temperatures dropping, winter is not a good time to have vehicle trouble.
Remember, cold weather takes its toll on a vehicle. Although California doesn’t have the extreme weather of the East Coast, it’s still a good idea to check your car before we enter the Fall and Winter seasons. Therefore, review your car with our 12 point checklist.
12 point Winterization Checklist
- Tune up the motor. (Air, Oil and Fuel filters, including new spark plugs, ignition cap, rotor and wires. Ignition system needs to be in top shape to battle the cold. )
- Check the anti-freeze. (Only fill with premium brand anti-freeze, make sure to check your owner’s manual for proper anti-freeze type.)
- Check all other fluid levels and fill as needed. (Brake Fluid, Oil, etc.)
- Fill wiper fluid reservoir with de-icing solution.
- Check the battery. (You can load test your battery at any local auto parts store.)
- Check the tread and air pressure of tires. (You want to insure good grip on the slick roads, also good for the gas mileage of your vehicle.)
- Inspect the brakes. (Quick visual inspection will give you peace of mind driving in cold harsh conditions.)
- Install good windshield wiper blades. (Good wipers such as Bosch will keep your windshield free and clear.)
- Check headlights and signal lights. (A good idea would be to convert your old filament bulbs to the new LED bulbs, these are brighter and last longer.)
- Check belts and hoses, replace as necessary. (Any cracks will only get worse in the cold weather, leading to more expensive repairs.)
- Ensure heater and defroster are in good working condition.
- And last but not least:
We suggest you keep a Cold Weather Kit in your trunk
A Cold Weather Kit contains the following: Jumper cables, a shovel, snow chains, an ice scraper, towing cables, flares, a blanket, a first aid kit, candles, non-perishable food items, warm gloves, boots, a flashlight, and a cell phone.
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