The lower temperatures of winter can have serious consequences on your vehicle, its condition, and its performance. Learn more to prepare your car for winter with this post by Lee ; Rita Downhill in Frankford.

The lower temperatures of the winter months can affect everything around them. So much so, that trees lose their leaves and go into dormancy. Similarly, some animals go into hibernation to conserve their energy and survive the cold. So do you turn your heater on, wear your boots, and get thick jackets to endure the chill. Given the change in conditions, you should also think about the ways in which the coldness will affect your vehicle, its condition, and its performance. Being more aware of this will help you prepare your car for winter and ensure you will have smooth and safe rides, even when the weather outside is frightful. For more information on how the cold weather affects your car and how to counteract those consequences, continue reading the post below.

If you want to ensure you'll be able to ride your car during winter, spring, summer, and fall, call Lee ; Rita Downhill in Frankford at (613) 398-1144 or browse AMSOIL's online store to purchase the top products for its maintenance.

How the Cold Weather Affects Your Car

Your Battery Could Die Faster

During the winter, the days are shorter and darker, meaning that you need functioning headlights to see and be seen. Furthermore, the temperatures are freezing, so you need a working heater to avoid turning blue. Still, these and other key components in your vehicle need a working battery. Unfortunately, the cold can deplete the battery faster (and even corrode it). Even though you can easily fix this by recharging your battery, if you don't want to get stranded in the cold, you will need to keep an eye out for it. Furthermore, if you notice that your battery isn't in great condition or if it's nearing the end of its life expectancy, replace it so you won't run into any problems because of it.

The Fluids' Properties and Performance Change

A powerful engine needs synthetic oil. A cooling system that regulates the vehicle's temperature properly needs coolant. A vehicle that runs and takes you to your destination needs enough fuel. Yes, certain fluids are crucial for your vehicle's performance. However, as you may be aware, the low temperatures can affect fluids. In the case of your vehicle, it can change the performance of those key fluids, meaning your vehicle could malfunction. That's why, as a way to prepare your car for winter, you should opt for winter-grade options of those fluids. This will guarantee that they will be able to endure the harshness of the colder months.

The continued use of AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, the most effective synthetic oil in Frankford, can keep your engine strong so it can endure the cold of winter and the heat of summer.

The Tires Can Deflate

For your tires to work correctly, carry the weight of your vehicle, endure the friction with the road, and drive you safely and smoothly to where you need to go, they need to be in top condition. More so during winter, when the roads are likely to be snowy, icy, and slippery, tire maintenance becomes even more imperative. Furthermore, the cold air and the freezing ground can cause the tire pressure to change and your tires to deflate. This could put you at risk. To ensure you'll avoid a dire scenario, check the tires' condition often (even the spare). If they're deflated, inflate them. If they're in bad shape, replace them.

It Can Destroy the Wiper Blades

Lastly, one component that you probably don't think about a lot: the wiper blades. Even if they're smaller, they have a crucial job in your vehicle: removing obstructions from your windshield that block your view of the road ahead. This is especially important in the winter, where snow and hail are commonplace. The cold air can damage the wiper blades, cracking their rubber and freezing the wiper fluid. To guarantee you'll be able to see if there's precipitation, you will need to inspect the wiper blades regularly. If they're brittle, replace them promptly. As mentioned above, a winter-grade option for the wiper fluid can help it resist the freezing temperatures of winter.

Call Lee ; Rita Downhill in Frankford at (613) 398-1144 or browse AMSOIL's online store to place an order on the highest-quality products that can ensure you'll save money and time on your vehicle's maintenance.