Winter Maintenance Tips for Your Vehicle

Getting started on your vehicle's winter maintenance shouldn't be left until winter has already arrived. Start preparing your vehicle for the change in the season and weather before it starts to take a toll on your car. Follow these tips to have your vehicle ready for the winter roads ahead of time.

Ensure Your Battery is Ready to Take on Winter

The winter months can be very harsh on your battery, especially if you regularly park your car in the cold outdoors. If your battery was already weak before entering winter, the cold temperatures can finish it off without much warning. To avoid being stranded in a cold parking lot or, even worse, on the road, consider replacing your battery. Most batteries will last a solid 3-5 years, so if yours is pushing it, now may be the best time to replace it. If you're not quite sure how old your battery is, it's best to give it a volt test to see just how much life it has left. Ask your mechanic about performing a volt test this winter.

Test Your Defroster

Before the real winter weather arrives, be sure to test your defroster and temperature controls. If either one of these is not functioning properly, get them fixed before it's too late. Your defroster and temperature controls are not only for comfort, they are essential for keeping you safe on the road. There is nothing scarier than driving through a heavy storm at night and having your windshield fog up. To ensure your visibility is at its best at all times, have these items serviced before you get caught in a storm.

Protect Your Engine With a Synthetic Oil Change

An oil change and an oil filter change are standard services that should be performed several times a year, yet they are also the most neglected car maintenance task. Before temperatures drop even lower, give your car a synthetic oil change in order to keep your engine fully protected this winter. A synthetic oil will hold onto its viscosity and fluidity no matter how low temperatures drop. This means that your engine will be fully protected even on cold starts. Overtime, this added protection and lubrication will ensure your engine suffers less wear and is stronger for longer. Don't forget to also have your oil filter changed for the best results. Get to know some more of the benefits of giving your vehicle a synthetic oil change any time of the year. If you're interested in giving your vehicle a synthetic oil change in Minot, contact Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc. Their experts can help you find the perfect AMSOIL synthetic oil for your vehicle. Give them a call at  (701) 572- 3780 to place an order or visit their online shop.

Use the Right Mix of Antifreeze

Antifreeze, also known as coolant, is a very important fluid your vehicle needs every season. During the cold winter months, your antifreeze keeps your engine from freezing in cold conditions, much like its name implies. Makes sure you're not running low on this fluid, but if you are, simply top it off. It's also a good idea to get your cooling system inspected for leaks that can cause damage over time. If you're replacing your antifreeze this season, be sure to use the right mix of antifreeze and water. The most common mix is a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze because it helps lower the freezing temperature of this fluid. If you're not sure what your car needs, check your owner's manual.

Check on Your Tires

As temperatures continue to dip, you may notice your tires lose pressure quicker. Since the cold temperatures actually do cause a decrease in tire pressure, it's important that you check their pressure regularly. Driving around on tires that are not at the right pressure can cause the tire tread to separate and can cause extra wear. If you're expecting temperatures below 45 degrees this season, it's a good idea to invest in winter tires. These will be more flexible at lower temperatures giving you better traction on the road.

Carry an Emergency Kit

It's always a good idea to carry an emergency kit in your car, no matter the season. However, this is especially important during the winter and if you're planning to travel on rural or isolated roads. You can purchase an emergency kit or make your own. Whatever you decide, just be sure your kit includes a blanket, a flashlight, a first aid kit, jumper cables, a cellphone charger, a shovel, snacks, water, and a knife.

Get a Synthetic Oil Change in Minot

Prepare your vehicle for cold winter temperatures with a synthetic oil change in Minot. Contact Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc. at (701) 572- 3780 to find the perfect synthetic oil for all of your engines. Stop by their online shop for a full selection of AMSOIL Oil products.