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Winter can bring about intense & perilous driving conditions. There are many important ways to maintain your vehicle to promote safe winter driving. Auto maintenance is imperative any time of year, and the hazardous conditions that winter can bring makes maintaining your vehicle all the more important. Here are 3 important safety tips for winter driving:

Get Regular Oil Changes

Regular oil changes are an essential part of vehicle maintenance. After a while, the moving parts of your engine break down the oil, which makes the oil less able to absorb the heat and provide lubrication to the engine. Getting an oil change helps lubricate the moving parts and provide a smoother, safer ride. It’s recommended that drivers get an oil change approximately every 5,000 miles to ensure the engine is running smoothly. This also helps prevent damage to your engine. It’s important to check your oil regularly and keep track of when to get your next oil change; if you notice dirty oil, a burnt oil smell, loud engine noises, sluggish acceleration, or your oil light is on, it’s time to contact your local auto shop to get an oil change.

Check Your Tire Pressure

Checking your tire pressure is extremely important, especially during the winter months. The cold air we get in the winter months makes your tire pressure drop significantly faster compared to the warmer months, so checking your PSI regularly is important. Your vehicle’s TPMS service light may illuminate, meaning your tires are under-inflated by at least 25%. It’s important to get your tires filled promptly to avoid tire damage. If you don’t inflate your tires, you can cause long-term damage and uneven tread wear which can impact the lifespan and safety of your tires. It’s also beneficial to invest in winter tires for winter driving as the rubber is designed for colder weather. Maintain your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure to ensure they are promoting the safety of your vehicle.

Test Your Car Battery

Another important way to keep your vehicle safe to drive this winter is to check your battery. As the temperature drops, so does the battery power. It’s never fun to have a dead battery, but this is especially the case in the winter when weather conditions could be dire. Getting vehicle battery service is a good way to ensure your battery is working as it should be. Vehicle batteries typically need to be replaced every 3-5 years. If you notice that your engine is hard to start, your headlights go dim, there’s a strange smell when your vehicle is running, your vehicle makes a fast clicking noise when started, issues with electrical components, or if your dashboard light is on, bring your vehicle in to your auto repair shop.

If you need vehicle maintenance, auto repairs, or winter tires in Prescott, contact Tire Pros & Wheel Experts. We want to help you remain safe and secure on the roads this winter and throughout all seasons. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with an auto technician, and watch for Part 2 of this blog series for a few more important winter safety tips.