BEDFORD- Winter is here, and temperatures are steadily dropping. Don’t neglect the essential machine getting snowed on the outside when getting everything ready at home for the cold. Frigid temperatures can wreak havoc on your car, so preparing it for the cold months ahead is important.
“Winter preventative maintenance is very important,” said the General Manager of Big O Tires in Bedford, Matt Fleming. He also shared some professional tips on keeping you ahead of the game when the roads turn white:
CHECK AND ADJUST TIRE PRESSURES. Freezing temperatures will reduce air pressure in your tires, so check them regularly. Checking and adjusting pressure the day before the weather arrives is a good idea to avoid the dreaded cold morning flat tire.
CHANGE OIL AND TOP OFF ALL FLUIDS. The colder the fluid is, the less it wants to move. Keep all reservoirs full to ensure system pressures stay at their optimal level. Clean oil is more viscous than dirty, so change it and keep your engine safe.
CHECK YOUR AIR FILTER. Dirty air filters can be a problem in the winter. “Some engines don’t breathe well in freezing weather,” Fleming said. Changing it out to begin the season is a safe bet to keep your engine in top condition.
Another important reminder for this time of year is always to keep cold weather gear in your vehicle. “Blankets, water, and hand warmers” are some items Fleming would definitely recommend.
