Car Maintenance Tips For Wintertime in California
Happy December, ABC Smog & Auto Repair customers & friends! As we welcome the winter season in full swing later this month, our team has decided December is the perfect month to talk about car maintenance tips for wintertime! California drivers usually don’t need to ever think about switching their tires for snow ones or having to worry about being stuck in a snowstorm, but that doesn’t mean we are entirely off the hook. Introducing our Car Maintenance Tips For Wintertime in California.
Brake Check
In the winter/colder months, your vehicle’s brake system is pushed harder. Given the chance of more condensation & wet roads, stopping and slowing down can be delayed & the increase of roadside debris (dirt, mud, rocks, etc.) can be a taxing combination. Before these road conditions become more common, take the time to give your brake system a check. Better now for your safety & your wallets. Your vehicle’s braking system is a critical component of you and your vehicle’s overall safety. Having a winter service and inspections of your vehicle’s wear parts such as brake pads and rotors as part of your auto repair regimen improves overall driving safety for you and those around you.
Car Battery
Your vehicle’s battery is one of the most common parts to “die” in the colder months. Sadly, one won’t even get a warning, just a significant inconvenience. Some common warning signs to look out for include:
- Slow starting engine
- A battery more than three years old
- Headlights glow a dim yellow instead of pure white
- Electronic accessories fail (ex, phone chargers)
- Your car’s horn sounds unusual/weak
- The battery case is swollen or cracked
- Odd smells
Freezing temperatures tend to slow the chemical reactions occurring inside a lead-acid battery. When this happens, the battery’s ability to perform is reduced. A cold engine causes the engine oil to thicken as it gets colder; as it gets thicker, the battery has to work extra hard to warm it up for good results. Prepare yourself now to get a battery inspection, and Our ASE Certified Technicians will check your car battery and let you know if there are any problems! We will prevent you from getting stuck in a challenging & cold situation!
Light Cleaning
An excellent wintertime step is to take a walk around the exterior of your vehicle & examine its lightbulbs, front & back. Check to make sure that all your lights are clear & sturdy, with no cracks. As we head into the darker months, visibility is critical. The polycarbonate material in your headlights can take a beating in the hot UV California rays & can increase deterioration. This deterioration can damage/impair one’s visibility on the road. Don’t be a risk to whomever you’re driving, or others on the road & take this time to examine all of your headlights.
Windshield Wiper Fluid Check
How often do you use your windshield wiper fluid? Most importantly, how often do you check it? An excellent wintertime step is to fill this fluid & make sure it’s full before holiday travels. Windshield wiper fluid helps your windshield wipers remove dirt and grime that can impair your vision- can you see how useful?
We hope you’ve found these Car Maintenance Tips For Wintertime in California helpful & as a friendly reminder to keep you safe during the upcoming months! Our knowledgeable technicians care, and we want to keep you on the road without experiencing any hassles or inconveniences this winter. This is why you should turn to the experts at ABC Smog and Auto Repair, so schedule an appointment today!. We are located at 40851 Albrae Street, Fremont, California, 94538. Your vehicle’s needs are our top priority. Call us today to speak to Lucky or Annabel!