Preparing Your Vehicle For Fall & Winter In Fredericton, NB

Fall and Winter Preparation

When prepping for cold winter driving, your vehicle must be in peak condition as the cold weather approaches. By taking precautions and following safe driving tips, you will have far more minor accidents or Winter vehicle trouble. Here are three things to be considered when driving in the Fall or winter.

How To Prepare Your Car For Fall and Winter

Check Your Battery

Checking periodically on your vehicle's battery is essential to Winter Driving. A battery's power is reduced significantly in freezing weather. If your vehicle's battery is older, they are notorious for working fine in warmer weather, then failing in colder weather. If your battery is at least four years old, have your vehicle battery tested by Riverview Fords Mechanics Through our Service Centre. Carrying a set of quality jumper cables at all times is a great way to stay on top of things. You may also consider buying a portable power pack, which will work for emergency starts.

Coolant, Filters Hoses

Check your thermostat and your coolant levels, as these elements ensure that your engine warms up properly. Your car's coolant should be changed every two years, and extended-life coolants last about five years. Be sure also to test your heater and defroster because you can't drive if you can't see through your windshield. Finally, be sure to check for leaking or soft hoses and have them replaces if need be.

Motor Oil

During winter, your vehicle requires an oil that can handle low temperatures and quickly flow to critical engine parts on those cold mornings. Fully synthetic oil for the winter months is designed to flow even in col floe temperatures.

Tips For Preparing For Fall and Winter

Checking Your Tire Pressure

Check your vehicle's tread, inflation and overall conditions of your tires. Remember to rotate your tires to wear evenly, check your tire tread, and replace your tires if they look worn. Remember, air shrinks in cold weather, and the air in your tires is no exception. Your tire pressure will go down as the weather cools, so ensure your tires come adequately inflated. Not enough pressure will increase wear and fuel consumption; too much air pressure can reduce traction, especially in icy conditions. You can find the proper tire pressure listing on your vehicle's driver-side door or in the glove box. Ensure you keep an ice scraper in your car, ad check your windshield wipers and defrosters to verify they're working correctly. De-icers for door locks are also helpful, but heated keys are better when frozen locks.

Check Your Brakes

When checking your vehicle's brakes, ensure they are critical before getting into the Fall or winter. Your brakes are essential for safe driving. The cold weather heightens brake problems since the roads can become slippery from snow and ice. Listen for unusual noises that may point to failing brake pads.

Check You Vehicle Lights

Walk around the exterior of your vehicle and check to make sure all your lights are working, including headlights, taillights and brake lights, are working as they should. These lights help you ensure that other drivers can see you if you need your lights replaced; book a service appointment today through Riverview Ford's Service Centre.

Having A Emergency Winter Kit

Snow-covered roads and reduced visibility can all be a factory of winter driving. Winter also brings an increased amount of risk while driving. It is easy to get stuck on the side of the road, so dressing warmly is a necessity. Always having winter emergency equipment in your car is essential. Here are some basic car items you should have in your winter emergency kit.

• Blanket
• Extra Clothing and Shoes or Boots
• Wind-up Flashlight
• Small Shovel, or Scrapper and Snow Brush
• First Adi Kit with Seatbelt Cutter
• Jumper Cables
• Tow Rope
• Road Flares

Book Your Appointment Today

Contact us at Riverview Ford in Fredericton, New Brunswick, to learn more about preparing your car for the colder months. If you require any help getting your vehicle ready for winter, don't hesitate to book a service appointment to have your vehicle prepped for Winter; Feel free to browse through our new inventory of cars on our lot.

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