The winter months can be tough on cars, and proper preparation will help ensure your vehicle stays in the best condition possible. To make sure your car is up to the challenge of winter weather in the Birmingham, MI area, here are some tips from us at High Favor Insurance:
- Check your tires. Make sure they have enough tread and are properly inflated. Bald or under-inflated tires won’t provide enough traction on icy roads and can easily result in an accident. Consider investing in snow tires if you live in an area where winter precipitation is expected.
- Change the oil and other fluids. Oil gets thicker in cold weather, so it’s essential to use a weight suitable for colder temperatures to ensure optimal performance from your engine. Also, check the coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels and top them off as needed.
- Inspect the battery and connections for corrosion or damage like loose cables or worn terminals. If there is any rust or dirt buildup, clean it off with baking soda or a specialized cleaner, then lubricate the terminal ends with a small amount of petroleum jelly or silicone grease to help protect against corrosion from road salt used during winter storms.
- Check your wiper blades for wear and tear. Replace them if necessary, as visibility is critical when driving in adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, sleet, etc.
- Inspect all hoses and belts for cracks, tears, or other damages that could cause problems when it’s cold outside, as they become more brittle when temperatures drop significantly below freezing point (32°F).
For more tips, call us at High Favor Insurance today! We proudly serve the Birmingham, MI area.
