It’s time to think about getting your car ready for the cold winter weather ahead. Visit the Madison auto care pros at one of Madison Auto Care’s seven NAPA service centers for help.
Lower temperatures and a slight chill in the air are the signals that autumn is finally here. And you know what that means. That’s right, it’s time to make sure your car is ready for the winter ahead.
“October is Car Care Month, an ideal time to remind motorists as the weather cools, motorists should complete a seasonal vehicle checkup to maintain safety and maximize efficiency,” according to AAA.
AAA has even developed an auto care checklist to help drivers make sure their cars will be ready for the harsh winter weather:
- “Battery and Charging System – Have the battery and charging system tested by a trained technician. A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather. …
- “Battery Cables and Terminals – Make sure the battery terminals and cable ends are free from corrosion and the connections are tight.
- “Drive Belts – Inspect the underside of accessory drive belts for cracks or fraying. Many newer multi-rib ‘serpentine’ belts are made of materials that do not show obvious signs of wear; replace these belts at 60,000-mile intervals.
- “Engine Hoses – Inspect cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks or loose clamps. Also, squeeze the hoses and replace any that are brittle or have an excessively spongy feeling.
- “Tire Type and Tread – In areas with heavy winter weather, installing snow [winter] tires on all four wheels will provide the best winter traction. All-season tires work well in light-to -moderate snow conditions provided they have adequate tread depth. Replace any tire that has less than 3/32-inches of tread. Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment, wheel balance or suspension problems that must be addressed to prevent further tire damage.
- “Tire Pressure – Check tire inflation pressure on all four tires and the spare more frequently in fall and winter. As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures. …
- “Air Filter...
- “Coolant Levels …
- “Lights – Check the operation of all headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and back-up lights. …
- “Wiper Blades …
- “Washer Fluid – Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a winter cleaning solution that has antifreeze components to prevent it from freezing.
- “Brakes – If there is any indication of a brake problem, have the system inspected by a certified technician to ensure all components are in good working order.
- “Transmission, Brake and Power Steering Fluids – Check all fluids to ensure they are at or above the minimum safe levels.”
While some of these chores – checking the washer fluid, for example – can easily be done by most car owners, many need to be done by a reliable Madison auto care pro.
If you’re looking for a certified Madison auto care expert, see the trusted Madison auto care technicians at one of Madison Auto Care’s seven NAPA service centers: Clausen Auto, Handel Auto, Genin’s Auto, Capitol Tire, Odana Tire, Hansen’s Auto, or Aeschbach Auto.
Madison Auto Care’s experts can help you with that.
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