Don't Get Left Out In The Cold: How To Make Sure Your Car Is Ready For Winter

Winter is supposed to be a harsh one this year. If you haven't gotten your car ready for the weather change, you may be in for a rude awakening once the freezing weather comes along. Even if you've already checked the battery, and switched to your snow tires, there are still a few things you need to take care of. Here are four steps that you might not have thought about, but that will need to be taken care of, especially if you're expecting a frigid winter.

Check for Bad Hoses

Hoses are another automotive part that can suffer during the winter, especially if they've just endured a particularly hot summer. Before you drive your car this winter, check your hoses. If they feel unusually hard, or they have small cracks in them, it's time to replace them. It's better to replace your hoses before the freezing temperatures set in. That way, you're prepared for winter, and you can avoid emergency situations.

Watch Your Hose Fittings

You might not pay much attention to your hose fittings, but you should. Many people think that if the hose looks good, the fittings must be good too. Unfortunately, that's not necessarily true. While you're inspecting your hoses, take the time to inspect your fittings too. Wipe the fittings off with a dry towel, and then wait a few minutes. If you feel wetness or even a bit of moisture, you've got a problem with your fittings that will need to be addressed. Failing to take care of your fittings could cause serious problems with your hoses.

Replace the Antifreeze

If your car has been running on the same antifreeze for a couple of years, it's time to give it a fresh start. Replacing your antifreeze is a great way to protect your car from the harsh winter weather. It's not necessary to replace your antifreeze every year unless you live in a region that experiences extreme weather patterns – whether extreme heat or cold. If you do live in an extreme weather region, it's a good idea to protect your car with fresh antifreeze each winter.

Inspect the Belts

Weather changes don't usually affect automotive belts. However, if you're expecting temperatures in the freezing to below freezing range this winter, you'll need to inspect your belts before the cold weather arrives. Freezing temperatures can cause your belts to get brittle. If they're already showing signs of aging, the freezing temperatures could destroy your belts. The last thing you want is to get stuck out in the cold because one of your belts broke. Take a few minutes to inspect all your belts, especially the serpentine belt. If you see signs of damage, take your car in to have the belts replaced. If you're not sure what you're looking for, be sure to have a mechanic give your belts a thorough inspection before winter arrives.

To learn more, contact a company like Yearwood Performance Center.