How to Prepare Your Car for Winter
Winter is here, and that means it's time to prepare your Acura for winter. While we don't anticipate many snowfalls this year, keeping your car in good shape is still important.
Just like humans, cars can have trouble with the cold — especially if they haven't been properly prepared for winter conditions. That's why you should make sure your Acura is ready for the impending weather changes before they hit!
We'll go over some of the most important things you can do to prepare your car for winter driving so that you can stay safe on the road when temperatures drop below freezing.
Prepare with a tune-up
A tune-up is a great way to prepare your car for winter. It ensures that the engine and its parts operate optimally, which helps you save on fuel and get better performance. If you want to get through this winter without having your Acura fail on you, it's important that you take care of it now.
Here are some things that should be done during a tune-up:
- Check the spark plugs, wires, and distributor cap
- Replace the timing belt if needed
- Replace the air filter if needed
- Change out your fuel filter if needed (this will keep sediment out of your engine)
- Change out oil and oil filter(s) as well as engine coolant
If you don't have the time or expertise to do these tasks yourself, you can bring your Acura into our service department so we can take care of it for you. We'll ensure that all of your car's systems are working properly and that they're ready for winter driving conditions so you can get where you need to go.
Check your car's fluids
Acura owners should also make sure all of their car's fluids are in good working order. That includes oil, coolant, brake, power steering, and transmission fluid. All these fluids are essential to the performance of your Acura. If they're low or dirty, they can cause mechanical problems that could leave you stranded on the side of the road during a snowstorm — and no one wants that to happen!
A good rule of thumb is to check your car's fluids once every month or two (or more often if you drive in harsh conditions).
If you don't know how to check the fluids yourself, take your car to an Acura service center like Davis Acura in Philadelphia and have them check it for you. We'll be able to tell you if anything else needs attention as well.
Use synthetic oil
It's important to use synthetic oil in your Acura. In cold weather, conventional oil can become thick and dense, making it difficult for the engine to turn over. Synthetic oil resists this viscosity change and starts up easier in the winter.
Synthetic oil also lasts longer than conventional oil because it is more resistant to oxidation and other chemical reactions that break down engine components. You'll also get better performance out of your vehicle if you put synthetic oil in it for its entire life cycle instead of just during the winter months!
Synthetic oils cost more than regular motor oils, but not as much as you might think. At Davis Acura in Philadelphia, we offer a wide selection of quality products at competitive prices so that you can keep your Acura running smoothly year-round!
Check your battery
To ensure your Acura will start in winter, it's important to check your battery's condition. Your car's battery should be checked for voltage, the terminals for corrosion and tightness, and its cables for fraying or broken connection points.
You can also examine the condition of your battery itself. If you find that it's damaged in any way, it's a good idea to get a new one before winter hits. It's best not to chance driving on an old or dying battery when temperatures are low because they could potentially cause problems when they're running low on power.
Check your wiper blades
Your wiper blades or windshield wipers help make sure your windshield is clear during the winter season. Make sure that they are in good condition. If they are worn or cracked, replace them with new ones now, so you're ready for winter weather. Finally, check the wiper fluid level and fill it up if needed!
Use winter tires and check your tire pressure
Winter tires are designed for cold temperatures and can help you drive safely in icy conditions. They're made of a softer rubber that grips better on snow and ice.
In addition to using winter tires, checking your tire pressure regularly is important. Low tire pressure can cause premature wear and poor handling. The most accurate way to check your tire pressure is with an internal pressure gauge, which can be purchased at any auto parts store.
Check the brakes
Another important car part that you should check before the winter is your brakes. While it's good to have a set of winter tires, your vehicle still needs to be able to stop on ice or snow. You'll want to make sure that your brakes are in good condition and can handle cold weather conditions. Here are some things that you can do:
- Inspect for pad wear. This will help determine if you need new brake pads or rotors.
- Check for leaks around the calipers and master cylinders and any other fluid leaks on the vehicle itself (brake fluid). It's also important to check the tire pressure to maintain stopping power and reduce the risk of skidding while driving through slushy areas or snowdrifts!
You may also want to consider getting your brakes checked by a mechanic before the winter begins. They will be able to tell you if there are any issues with your brakes and whether or not they need to be repaired or replaced.
Always have a full tank of gas
It's important to keep your gas tank full during the winter months, as you want to be sure that your Acura is ready for driving in whatever weather conditions come its way.
Another reason we recommend keeping your gas tank full during the winter is that it helps prevent moisture buildup, which can dilute fuel and cause your engine to strain. If moisture freezes, it could result in more substantial damage. Having more gas in your tank will help prevent this damage from occurring.
Get in touch with Davis Acura for your service needs
All in all, winter can be a tough time for your Acura. Luckily, you have this guide to winterize your car for the cold weather ahead.
However, if you're not sure how to do the tips we've outlined above and are looking for a reliable, trustworthy Acura maintenance service in Philadelphia, look no further than Davis Acura.
We're known for our high-quality work and friendly customer service, so you can be sure that any service work you bring your car in for will be done right.