The change of a season is always a good time time to do a few checkups on your car, and that’s not exception in the Lehigh Valley. In fact, since the Lehigh Valley is home to such a variety of weather throughout the year, it’s maybe as important as an area as anywhere else in which you should check your car out.
Here are some great tips from our friends at the Car Care Council:
Heating, Wipers & Lights
– Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly.
– Consider winter wiper blades and use cold-weather washer fluid. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.
– Check to see that all exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed.
Tires & Brakes
– Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure of all tires, including the spare. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads.
– During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.
– Have the brakes checked. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item.
Gas, Oil & Filters
– Keep your gas tank at least half full throughout the cold weather to prevent moisture from forming in gas lines and possibly freezing.
– Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter
– Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate.
– Check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.
System Checks – Charging, Cooling & Exhaust
– Have the battery and charging system checked, as cold weather is hard on batteries.
– Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a rule of thumb, this should be done every two years.
– Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.
Pack the Essentials
– Make sure that your ice scraper and snow brush are accessible and ready to use.
– Stock an emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, extra clothes, bottled water, nonperishable food and a first aid kit with any needed medication.
Getting locked out of your car can be an instant panic situation. This can be even more of an issue for those who are predispositioned to such panic attacks. It’s important to remember that, while the initial shock can be scary, you can not only get out of the situation quickly, but you can also calm yourself down.
