Fall is Here! Prepare Your Vehicle for Colder Temps

Oct 28, 2015

Although we have had nice weather extend into September, colder weather is on the horizon. As the calendar wanes down, so do the temperatures. We prepare ourselves with sweaters, our house with heat and insulation and we must not forget our vehicle. Destination Nissan has some great tips for preparing your vehicle for cold temperatures.

Check the Lights

Do a thorough inspection of your vehicle’s lights-taillights, emergency flashers, parking lights, headlights, brake lights and turn signals-to make sure they are all working. It’s going to be getting darker earlier so you want to be able to see in front of you as well as be visible to vehicles behind you.

Replace Wiper Blades

We see more rain in the fall, which leads to ice and snow in the winter. Replace your wiper blades so they will be new and up for the challenges ahead. Consider replacing wiper fluid with a type that contains antifreeze.

Check the Tires

Wetter weather means more slippery roads. Be sure your tires have a safe amount of tread on them so that you can stop quick enough in adverse weather conditions. Make sure they are inflated to the proper psi and check them frequently in the upcoming months since the cold air can wreak havoc on their air levels. Don’t forget to check the spare tire’s tread and psi.

Battery Maintenance

Cold weather is hard on your vehicle’s battery, so you should be sure it is charged and working optimally. Batteries over three years old especially need to be checked. Check the connections for corrosion and clean them if necessary.

Engine Oil and Thickness

The viscosity is a measure of how thin or thick oil is. Cold temperatures increase the engine oil’s viscosity, which does not circulate as well as thinner oil. If the oil is too thick, the engine is not properly lubricated, which can cause lots of expensive damage. Consult the owner’s manual to see if your vehicle’s oil has any cold weather requirements.

Follow these tips and your car or truck will be all ready for the cold temperatures!