The holidays are a time for family, food, and festivities – not car trouble. Whether you’re staying near or going far, it’s a good idea to keep up with car maintenance, especially ahead of the holidays. The last thing you want on snowy roads headed to see your family is to find yourself stranded and in need of a tow. Here are a few key maintenance services to keep up with to ensure your car gets you there and back again safely.
Related: Winter Surivial Guide
Related: Should You Run Your A/C In Winter?
Related: Healthy Muffler & Exhaust In Winter
Get an Oil Change
Keeping up with regular oil changes is car maintenance 101. Most people know to get an oil change twice a year or more, depending on your driving habits. This keeps your engine running smoothly and efficiently, as well as preventing major damage to all the working parts inside the engine. Oil changes are even more important approaching the winter season because your engine oil naturally gets thicker with cold temperatures. This makes it harder for your engine to get going and can be exaggerated by old engine oil that’s already contaminated by debris. Not only is this bad for getting your engine started, but also for keeping it running.
Problems with Your Engine Oil Can Ruin a Road Trip
If you’re planning on a road trip this holiday season, make sure to schedule an oil change in advance, especially if you haven’t had one for a few months. Putting off an oil change causes stress to your engine no matter what type of driving you’re doing and the more you drive with old engine oil, the worse the repercussions can be. It can hit your fuel economy or even cause your engine to overheat.
Have Your Brakes Inspected
Winter weather makes roads hazardous. You never know what you’ll encounter on a winter road trip, so you want to make sure you’ll be able to safely slow your vehicle, even in inclement weather. A trusted mechanic can carry out a brake inspection to make sure your brake pads, rotors, and fluid are all in good working condition. Keeping your brakes in good working order will help keep you safe on slick, snowy roads all winter.
Worn Brake Pads Are a Huge Car Safety Hazard
Short of scheduling a brake service appointment, you can take a look at your brake pads and rotors yourself at home. Check the thickness of your brake pads and look for a rim around your rotors. If your brake pads are too thin or there’s a rim around your rotors – or both – it’s time to get your car to a technician to have them replaced.
Take a Look at Your Tires
It’s especially important to make sure your tires are in good shape for the winter months. Though you want to maintain traction all year, snow and ice in the winter mean it’s even more important that you check your tire’s treads and pressure. You can easily check your tire treads at home using a penny. If they’re over-worn, it’s a good idea to get new tires, especially ahead of a holiday road trip.
Cold Weather Lowers Tire Pressure
Another thing to consider through the winter months is your tire pressure getting too low. Colder temperatures naturally will lower your tire pressure, which can also lead to extra wear on your tires. Traction is key to winter safety, so you want to make sure your tires stay at an optimal tire pressure. Luckily, most modern cars come with tire pressure sensors, saving you the work of manually checking each tire. If your tire pressure light comes on, find a gas station where you can fill up with more air as soon as possible.
AAMCO Minnesota is Here for All Your Seasonal Car Care Needs
Prevent a major auto repair this winter by preparing for your holiday road trip. Keeping up with regular car maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your car and keeps you safe on the roads. Our technicians at AAMCO Minnesota are trained with the knowledge and skills to ensure your car is in tip top shape and won’t leave you stranded on the side of the road. Give us a call and let us take a look so you can drive confidently this winter.
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