The winter months can be rough on your vehicle. Fortunately, living in Northern California, you do not have to worry too much about snow, ice and freezing temperatures taking a toll on your car. However, there are still a few things that you need to do to ensure your vehicle is ready for the change in seasons. Here are a few of the most important things you can do to prepare your car for winter.
Replace Your Windshield Wipers
While snow in Northern California is rare, rain is not. Prior to winter hitting, you should test out your windshield wipers. If they leave streaks on your windshield, it is time to replace them. Replacing your wipers helps to clear rain off, allowing you to see the road in rainy weather. Replacing the wipers also helps to prevent glass damage that worn wipers can cause to your windshield.
Check Your Tires
It is recommended that you check your tire pressure every month. This is especially important during the winter months. Properly inflated tires help to reduce the risk of you sliding on slick or icy roadways. Now is also a great time to check the tread on your tire. If the tread is less than 4/32 of an inch, it is time to replace your tires. Having enough tread on the tires helps your tires to grip the road, helping to prevent an accident in wet or icy conditions, and also helps to decrease your chances of your tire blowing out.
Test Your Battery
If your battery is one-year-old or older, fall is a great time to have it tested. This is something that an auto repair shop or an auto parts store can do for you. Cold weather makes it harder for a battery to start. As such, if your battery is nearing the end of its lifespan, it is more likely to fail on you during the cold winter months than the warm summer ones. Testing your battery helps you determine when it needs to be replaced, helping to ensure you don’t get unexpectedly stranded.
Here at Morgan Automotive Repair with locations in Tracey, Manteca and Stockton, as well as a Sacramento center opening soon, we are an auto repair shop that can help you with all of your car repair needs. Whether you are looking for a car repair shop due to a problem your vehicle is happening, or you need recommended auto maintenance, we can help. Call us today to schedule your appointment.