As days grow colder, it’s easy to be distracted by the dangers lurking on roads. Ram dealers in Deming, NM urge motorists to be on guard at all times, as the weather in the fall can be unpredictable. Pre-winter car maintenance can help your vehicle make it through fall and winter without suffering any severe damage. These dos and don’ts will help you perform your fall car care more efficiently.
Do check your tires.
When was the last time you replaced or rotated your tires? Check how much tread is left on each tire and if they’re wearing out evenly. Also, don’t hit the road without checking your tires’ pressure. Tires tend to deflate at low temperatures, so you might need to pump some air into them first thing in the morning.
Do not overinflate.
Tires deflate because the air molecules contract. And it’s not just the air that contracts when the temperature drops–everything from metals to concrete and even rubber. When they do, they become brittle. Therefore, overinflating your tires also increases the risk of a blowout.
Do clean the headlights.
You’ll face darkness much earlier and for longer. You need your headlight to shine as bright as possible to maintain visibility on the road. Wipe off the dust, grime, and other substances obscuring the light. If the headlights are foggy, use commercial cleaners that deal with fog.
Do not use a colored and rough rag.
Colored rags may bleed when soaked in water. You don’t want to smear that dye on your headlights. You never know how stubborn it can be when it’s dry. Only use a soft, white cloth to avoid scratching the headlights’ surface. The same can be said when wiping other parts of your vehicle–don’t use colored cloth to avoid color transfer from fabric dye.
Do check the brakes.
A cold, rainy day is a slippery road day. You may not yet encounter black ice, but fall will give you a taste of its wintery fury. Your brakes will be your only protection against it. So make sure the pedals are working well. The brake pads must still have a firm grip. And there must be enough brake fluid in the tubes.
Do not drive with broken rotors.
If you notice a crack on any rotors, no matter how small, don’t use your vehicle without replacing it first. Ram dealers in Deming, NM explain that the force your vehicle creates when it’s in motion is powerful enough to snap a thick metal plate. All it needs is a small crack.
Do clean your battery.
Your car’s battery will be forced to do more work as your engine’s resistance increases, thanks to the cold temperature thickening the motor oil. You can’t possibly add power to the battery, but you can get rid of any substance or material that might be adding strain to it.
Do not idle.
Idling not only contributes to air pollution but also gradually drains your battery. Doing it a few times in the middle of heavy traffic is fine but making it a habit is bad for your car.
Keep these simple tips in mind; you’ll get through fall and winter unscathed. However, you still need to take your car for a professional tune-up at least twice a year for good measure. Check out Viva CDJRF for more helpful tips.
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