Making sure your battery, tires and fluids are in tip top shape is a must this season.
SAN ANTONIO — Here in South Texas we aren’t used to frigid weather like what has moved in and what is expected. And neither are our cars. Here’s what you can do to make sure your car is ready for the cold.
Even if there’s no ice or snow and just rain, the colder weather could affect your car in ways that could cause you to have an accident. Starting with your tires.
Doug Shupe, an AAA spokesperson told KENS 5, “We typically see some wintry mix weather in the winter time and so you want to make sure your tires are not only properly inflated but they have enough tread.”
An easy way to determine if a tire is worn out is to place an upside-down quarter in a tire tread. If you can see the top of Washington’s head, it’s time to replace the tire. As for the tire pressure?
“As it cools everything contracts, the pressure actually lowers. So you need to make sure that the air pressures are correct,” said David Rich, Belden’s Automotive district shop foreman.
When it comes to your battery it needs to be primed with power, especially if it has a hard time turning over already.
“One of the things that you want to test, especially if you see cold weather coming up is to actually get your battery tested,” said Rich.
Here are more winter weather tips for your car from AAA. Use your seat belt every time you get in the vehicle. Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage. No time is needed to warm up your car anymore. Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged because that could cause carbon monoxide to leak into the vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Also make sure your coolant concentration is correct so your antifreeze doesn’t freeze and make sure you aren’t using the summer blend of oil which is thicker.
“In wintertime they use a thinner oil to spin the engine over quicker to get the lubricating parts faster,” Rich said.