Winterizing your Car

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

1. 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. )
2. Check the anti-freeze. (Only fill with premium brand anti-freeze, make sure to check your owner’s manual for proper anti-freeze type.)
3. Check all other fluid levels and fill as needed. (Brake Fluid, Oil, etc.)
4. Fill wiper fluid reservoir with de-icing solution.
5. Check the battery. (You can load test your battery at any local auto parts store.)
6. 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.)
7. Inspect the brakes. (Quick visual inspection will give you peace of mind driving in cold harsh conditions.)
8. Install good windshield wiper blades. (Good wipers such as Bosch will keep your windshield free and clear.)
9. 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.)
10. Check belts and hoses, replace as necessary. (Any cracks will only get worse in the cold weather, leading to more expensive repairs.)
11. Ensure heater and defroster are in good working condition.
12. 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.