Winter car maintenance: Three things to keep your car rolling this winter

With the temperatures set to tumble, it’s important to make sure your car is prepared.

MADISON, Wis. – The temperature is bottoming out Tuesday, and with low temperatures come concerns about our cars.

Most people know to keep at least half a tank of gas in your car when temperatures begin to drop. AAA says problems can still form if moisture from condensation gathers in the fuel line and freezes.

“Ice in the line interferes with fuel intake, making it more difficult to start the gas or hybrid car and resulting in sputtery engine performance,” according to AAA.

Many people tend to let their car warm up before driving it. However, Luke Whetstone with Badger City Auto Sales and Service says letting it sit isn’t necessary. The best way to warm up your car is to start your car and let it run for 30 seconds to a minute.

“Let her only run for maybe about a minute and then warm it up by driving it. When the car is idle, the oil’s not properly, lubricating everything,” said Whetstone. “And honestly, it lubricates the best by driving it a little bit.”

Aside from taking care of your engine, Whetstone suggests making sure you have a strong battery. You can get it tested when you take your car in for an oil change.

Whetstone also suggests making sure you have good wiper blades and the proper windshield wiper fluid for colder temperatures.

He said windshield wiper fluid that is heavy duty or the extreme cold formula works best.

Finally, make sure your tires are ready for the winter. You want to check and see if you can can grip your tires with your fingers. Tires without grip are bald and make it more dangerous driving in the winter.

One more tip to prepare your car for colder temperatures is to make sure you have enough coolant in your reservoir tank. Having low coolant when temperatures are freezing can make it hard for you to start your car, and it won’t allow your heater to work properly.

Badger City Auto Sales and Service is located at 2418 Stoughton Rd, Madison. They can take care of general services as well as tire care, suspension, exhaust, and brakes.

You can contact Badger City Auto at [email protected] or via phone at +1 608 709 1712.

link