The cold winter months are upon us! That means getting your car ready for the harsh climate that comes along with it! We want to keep you as prepared as possible for any unfortunate scenario that might occur in the tough winter winds, so here are some things to look over before starting the car:
1. Keep an Emergency Kit inside your car- This kit can include an array of items: jumper cables, crackers, hand-warmers, water, blankets, tools and flashlight. You never know when the weather will leave you stuck on the side of the road.
2. Replace your windshield wipers and wiper fluid- When it starts to snow, and snow hard, you are going to want windshield wipers that last. When an unexpected storm hits, the last thing you want is a broken wiper blade or one that doesn't work at all!
3. Always keep the tank full- We know this can be difficult, and sometimes we let our cars run on fumes until we absoluteley need to fill up. While this typically isn't good any time of the year, it can be especially detrimental in the winter months. Freezing and shifting temperatures can cause condensation to form on the walls of a gas tank near empty, causing water to drip down into the gas. It will eventually sink to the bottom, since water is heavier than gas. Water can find its way into the fuel lines and freeze up, causing a blockage in gas flow to the engine. Avoid the worst-case scenario all together and keep your tank moderately full.
4. Keep the right amount of anti-freeze in your radiator- It is important to keep the right balance of anti-frees and water in your radiator to prevent engine freezing and corrosion. The typical standard is 50:50 ratio of water to anti-freeze.
5.Consider snow tires- Tires made for the winter months versus the warmer months vary greatly. Snow tires can help with greater traction and control when driving through a storm, as opposed to your standard summer tires that typically have lost traction.
Drive safe and let us take a look at your vehicle before you set out in the harsh Kansas City winter weather- Schedule a service appointment with our team today!
