Legacy Digest

Cold Weather Auto Advice

Winter is coming! Even if you haven’t had a chance to build a snowman or enjoy a warm beverage by the fire, you know that the cold weather is here to stay for a while in Michigan.

You should also know that colder weather can have an impact on your car. Ice, snow, or freezing rain all wreak havoc on your four-wheeled baby. And like anything else in life, adapting to that change can make a big difference. Winter in all of its forms can wear on your vehicle, so taking the appropriate care now can save you both time and money in the future.

Here is a list of ways you can keep your car or truck in tip-top shape, no matter what Mother Nature in her wintery splendor might throw at you.

• Gas Up – Always keep your gas tank at least half full in the winter. We used to be told that this would help avoid condensation in the gas tank, but this isn’t really a big concern with modern cars. Still, you never know when you might become stuck in bad weather, and you’ll be grateful that your engine is still running to help keep you warm while you wait for a tow!
• Wipers up – Windshield wipers can freeze in bad weather. Pull them upright to make sure they don’t get stuck when you need them most.
• Check your tires – Most people need to add air to their tires in winter. Tire pressure can drop by a pound for every ten degrees the temperature drops. This puts your tires at risk of blowouts and tread separation, which can be extremely deadly in icy conditions. Better yet – consider switching to snow tires for those slick winter conditions.

Taking these precautions can help you avoid both accidents and unnecessary wear over time.