Well, we don’t think anyone on the east coast has any doubts that winter has well and truly arrived. With that in mind, we thought it would be useful and important to remind everyone about some of the basic maintenance and usage tips that concern winter. After all, using your car in cold temperatures can damage it badly if you aren’t paying proper attention to crucial details.
Fluids
You should in general make sure to check all your fluids in preparation for winter driving weather, but if the temperatures turn truly cold you should pay special attention to a few specific ones. First off, make sure to fill your antifreeze. And remember not to mix the colors of the liquids. You can also get windshield wiper fluid designed specifically for winter use. That means it withstands certain temperatures without freezing, and you can continue to use your windshield wipers as usual. Winter-specific windshield wiper fluids will give you a temperature range that they work in, going all the way to -40F (let’s hope you won’t need that). You should also check your oils if you’re due for that, and consider getting lower viscosity oil that is made specifically with cold weather driving in mind. Car experts at shops like Savage Hybrid Shop in Philadelphia encourage you to stop by and have their mechanics check your fluids for you.
Battery
Easily the most common problem with using a car in cold temperatures is that it won’t start because the battery is dead. That’s because the colder the weather, the more easily and quickly a battery runs out. So if you haven’t replaced your battery for a few years (every three years is usually recommended) you might want to consider doing that before the worst winter weather sets in. You can also battle winter by purchasing something to cover the hood of the car, like a protective plastic sheet or a tarp, to keep the battery warmer. When attempting to start your car, if it’s cranking slow this is the first sign of a battery that will soon die.
Fuel Tank
Winter is not the best time of the year to test how far you can drive your car on fumes. When your gas tank is almost empty, the cold can cause condensation to form on the walls of the gas tank. That condensation will eventually turn into water that will drip into the gas and, from there, to the fuel lines. When inside the fuel lines, it can freeze and stop gas from getting to the engine with bad consequences. Repairing this can be expensive, so we recommend you keep your gas tank at least half-full throughout the winter season.
If you have any questions, as the leading company providing hybrid repair in Philadelphia, we would love to help you!