Winter is coming, and with it comes cold temperatures, icy roads, and unpredictable weather. Preparing your car now can make all the difference in keeping you safe on the road. At Real World Automotive, we want to help you get ahead of the season with some essential preventative winter car care tips.
1. Check Your Tires
Your tires are your car’s only contact with the road, so make sure they’re up to the challenge. Inspect tire tread depth and check tire pressure regularly. Cold weather can cause pressure to drop, affecting traction and handling. Consider swapping to winter tires if you live in areas prone to ice or snow.
2. Test Your Battery
Winter’s cold can be tough on car batteries. Have your battery tested to ensure it’s strong enough to handle the season. Replace any worn or weak batteries to prevent getting stranded on a frosty morning.
3. Top Off Fluids
Antifreeze (coolant) is essential to keep your engine from freezing. Make sure it’s at the correct level and mixed properly. Also, check windshield washer fluid and oil—using winter-grade oil can help your engine perform better in low temperatures.
4. Replace Worn Wiper Blades
Visibility is critical in winter weather. Old or worn wiper blades can smear snow and ice, reducing your ability to see clearly. Upgrade to winter blades for better performance in snow, ice, and slush.
5. Keep an Emergency Kit
Even with careful preparation, winter driving can be unpredictable. Keep an emergency kit in your car with essentials such as blankets, gloves, a flashlight, snacks, water, jumper cables, and a small shovel.
Preventative winter car care isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety. A little preparation now can save you from costly repairs and keep you and your passengers safe throughout the season.
If you need help getting your car winter-ready, Real World Automotive is here for you. Our expert mechanics can inspect, service, and prepare your vehicle so you can drive with confidence all winter long.
#CarCare #RealWorldAutomotive #PreventativeCare #RaleighLocalMechanic
