We’ve been talking a lot lately about winter maintenance tips for your vehicle. While the weather has been extremely mild over the past few months, we all know that winters can hit quickly in Western PA, and it can result in brutal conditions for your car. Here are five quick tips to remember this season (since we still haven’t experienced it yet).
Swap out regular tires for winter tires.
Believe it or not, snow tires are recommended for drivers where the temperature regularly falls before 45 degrees. Snow or not, they’re engineered to give you better traction while turning or stopping on cold pavement.
Check tire pressure weekly.
Driving on underinflated tires can cause them to wear down prematurely and lose traction on icy or slippery surfaces. Did you know that your tires can lose one pound of pressure with every 10-degree drop in air temperature?
Keep your fuel tank half full.
We know it’s tough to stand outside in the cold while filling your gas tank, but during the winter months, it’s important to try keeping at least half a tank in your vehicle in the event you’re in an emergency or get stuck in the snow. This will allow your car to provide heat while waiting for assistance.
Add a protective layer of wax.
At the beginning of the season, you should apply a coat of polymer wax, as it creates a barrier against road salt, grime, snow, sleet and other nasty stuff that wears down your car in the winter. As well, after the season, be sure to give your car a rinse to remove all the buildup in the hard-to-reach areas, like the wheels, wheel wells and underbody.
Protect your windshield wipers.
Winter in Western Pennsylvania can certainly bring snow from time to time, but more often so is ice buildup on your car’s windows. If you park outdoors, leave the wipers in the raised position to prevent them from freezing to the windshield. Never use your wiper blades to remove ice, snow or frost from the windshield; use an ice scraper instead. PS – If you’re looking for an ice scraper, be sure to ask for one during your next scheduled appointment, and we’ll hook you up (while supplies last).
If you need some assistance with getting your vehicle ready for the winter, please give Matt or Kylie a call at (412) 487-9902 to schedule your appointment.
