Salt, snow and ice can wreak havoc on your car. The good news is that it’s easy to keep your car running in tip-top shape all winter. Check out our guide to winter car care below.
Check Tire Pressure
You may have noticed that when the temperature dips, your tire pressure warning light occasionally lights up. Cold weather can lead to a decline in tire pressure of 1 psi for every 10°F drop in air temperature. Don’t wait for the light to come on! Check your tire pressure every month with your own tire pressure gauge, at an air pump or at your local mechanic.
Learn why proper tire pressure inflation is important here.
Keep Your Lights Bright
Stay visible on the roads! Check that your headlights, tail lights and turning signals are in working order.
Wipe off your headlights regularly as they can get coated in salt and dirt. You can even wax your headlight lenses to keep them from clouding or yellowing and to prevent slush from building up.
Stop by the Car Wash
A buildup of salt on your car can lead to rusting or corrosion. This is especially true if there are scratches or dents where the paint has come off. Regularly washing off your car can help. Don’t forget to go for the undercarriage rinse too! Wait until the temperature rises above freezing to head to the car wash or you’ll risk having an icicle for a car!
Get offer details on discounted exterior wash from Hoffman Car Wash here.
Examine Your Wiper Blades
Your wiper blades can become one of the most important features on your car during winter. Salt and mud spray from other cars can make it harder to see the road. Wiper blades wear out faster than you think!
You can keep them wiping their best by cleaning the rubber blades with either window cleaner, hot soapy water or vinegar. Lift the blades away from the windshield, wipe them down with a rag dipped in one of the cleaning solutions and finish by removing any remaining residue with rubbing alcohol.
Learn more about replacing windshield wipers, checking your windshield fluid and more here.
Should you need replacement blades or other items for DIY installation, save money on parts at NAPA.
Add Rubber Mats
Think of how many times you climb in the car with your boots covered in snow. Melting snow, road salt or chemicals can soak into the carpet. Help your car retain its value and prevent rust underneath the carpet by adding a set of rubber mats.
With a little effort, you can keep your car clean and running smoothly all winter!
Amber Rolfe is a Marketing Associate at AAA Hudson Valley.
