As the holidays draw nearer, so do the colder temperatures of winter.
As the cliche goes - winter is coming and it brings possible damage to your car if you haven't prepared for it, businessinsider.com says.
The money you spend on winter-proofing your car can save you thousands later and prevent a breakdown or accident.
High on the list of winter car prep is your battery. Did you know that freezing weather drains your battery power by 30-60%. It's clear, cold weather is hard on batteries so it is wise to check your battery early in the season and replace it if needed.
Tires and tire pressure are also high on your list. Did you know that colder temperatures will cause tire pressure to drop about 1 pound per square inch for every 10° F drop in air temperature. That's enough to give you the ol' cold shoulder. So, you should check the pressure weekly once the cold sets in. Low tire pressure is a winter-time hazard; low pressure reduces driver control, wears tires out faster, and reduces gas mileage. Bah humbug!
You also should consider getting winter (snow) tires, businessinsider.com says. Winter tires provide better control, better grip, and shorter shopping distances. are designed for prolonged winter conditions, including snow, ice, and slush. The tire tread compounds in winter tires stay softer and more flexible in cold weather. When the temperature falls below ~45º F, winter tires will improve traction, handling, and control in the coldest and harshest conditions. Add studs to your winter tires and get even more traction on icy, slick roads.
If you're not sure how to ensure your car is adequately prepared, simply consult the auto care technicians at one of Madison Auto Care's seven NAPA service centers: CLAUSEN AUTO, HANDEL AUTO, GENIN’S AUTO, CAPITOL TIRE, HANSEN’S AUTO, ODANA TIRE, or AESCHBACH AUTO.
