Preparing your car for cold weather

Sponsored by Toco Warranty

October is Car Care Month, and as the temperature outside begins to get cooler, it’s important to protect your car to help ensure it runs smoothly in the months ahead. The checklist below will get you started:

Cold weather car care checklist:

• Lights:  As the days get shorter and the sky stays darker for longer periods of time, there’s a good chance you will need to use your car’s headlights more frequently. This sustained use can make your lights wear out sooner. Proper lighting is crucial for driving safely in the dark or in bad weather, so be sure to check that your car’s headlights are still shining brightly, or if they need to be replaced.  Also be sure to check that your brake lights and turn signals are functioning properly.
  
• Tires:  The air pressure in your car’s tires decreases by about a pound for every 10 degrees the temperature drops.  Consequently, as the weather gets colder, it is even more important to check the pressure in your tires regularly.
  
• Brakes:  Cold weather and falling leaves brings wet, slippery roads, so being able to stop your car properly is critically important to your safety. When brake pads wear down or your brake fluid is low, you may find that your car won’t stop as quickly. Have your car’s brakes checked before the road conditions change to better prepare you for bad weather driving.
  
• Windshield Wipers:  Being able to see the road clearly is important for driving your car safely. In addition to having functional wiper blades, it’s a good idea to check wiper fluid, as drivers often use more in the rain or snow. You might even want to carry some with you as an additional safety precaution. Also, be sure to check to see if your blades are cracked, as this is a sign that they should be replaced.
  
• Battery:  As temperatures drop, it’s possible for the cold to drain your car’s battery. Consider replacing your car battery if it is more than 3 years old, and check to be sure there is no corrosion on the car battery itself, or on the battery connections. 

Article Resource: http://tocowarranty.tumblr.com/post/100453064742/preparing-your-car-for-cold-weather