How You And Your Car or Auto Dealer Can Prepare Your Car For an Upstate New York Winter
Upstate New York residents know that investing a little time and money before winter pays off when freezing weather strikes. Hidden problems like an old battery, unchanged engine oil, worn out spark plugs or a bad thermostat can rear their ugly heads on cold mornings. Your local auto dealer in New York can help you prepare by providing winterization services. You can also perform inspections at home, such as checking for worn-out tires and windshield wipers.
The following components of your car should be checked before winter strikes: the condition of the battery, battery terminals, the engine cooling system, all the belts, brakes, the tires, lights, and the status of all engine fluids. Since your car needs to be lifted on a hoist to check the brakes, steering and suspension, it’s better to head to your local car dealer in NY than a small quick lube place.
It’s a good idea to install winter tires, especially in blizzard-prone upstate NY.Winter tires are designed to improve traction on snow-covered or icy roads. If you purchase winter tires from your dealership, they’ll often conveniently store your regular tires for you. Remove your winter tires after the season’s over; they wear faster on dry roads in warm conditions.
Have your dealer check your battery if you feel that the cranking speed is lower than usual, and replace it if it’s over three years old. A dead battery is one of the most common causes for a no-start during the winter.The mechanic should also check to be sure the battery terminals are clean and tight, and check the battery’s ability to hold a charge.Be warned, however, as no matter what you do, batteries can fail without warning.