Winter is Here!

Here are Your Winter Car-Care Tips

Today's modern vehicles are designed to function in a variety of weather situations, from scorching summer heat to minus zero degrees in winters. But, there are a few things that car owners should check in the late fall to ensure their vehicles are ready for the chilly winter months and bad weather.

For starters, monthly car maintenance should be scheduled with Sun Toyota, serving Greater Carrollwood, FL, without fail. Let’s walk through some of the easy winter car care tips that you can follow:

Keep Your Lights in Good Shape

Cars become exceedingly filthy during the winter months, thanks to the abundance of salt on the roadways. It's especially crucial to keep your lights clean — if your car doesn't have headlight washers, you can wipe them down with a towel.

Check the Level of Water in Reserve Tank

Ensure there is no water in your overflow or reserve tank. It should contain either straight coolant or the proper coolant-to-distilled-water ratio. During the winter, the water in the tank will freeze, cracking the reservoir and causing heating.

Is the Fuel Filter and Water Separator in Good Working Order?

Ensure that the gasoline filter is in good working order and, if necessary, replace it. Monitor the water separator on a daily basis to mitigate any risk of engine damage. Water is a prevalent impurity in diesel fuel that can reduce the engine's life expectancy. If there is a substantial amount of water gathered, it should be emptied.

Antifreeze Should Be Topped Up

Antifreeze prevents the water in the engine's cooling system from freezing, so make sure yours is full. Depending on the car and the type of coolant used, the coolant should be replaced every 3 to 5 years.

Are Your Brakes Working Properly?

Especially in the winter, your brakes must be in excellent working order. Inspect them to see if they screech or produce other noises. If you're driving your car after it's been sitting in the cold for a few days, start slowly in case the discs, calipers, or brakes have frozen.

Change the Engine Oil to One Suited Better for Winter

Although this winter car care tip seems simple, yet it is easy to miss. You need to keep in mind that cold weather adversely affects the effectiveness of engine oil. During winter, the oil’s viscosity can become thicker and decrease engine circulation.

How is this avoided? You’ll need to get thinner oil (consult your car’s owner’s manual to check winter oil viscosity), and make sure to use the proper oil viscosity depending on the season.

Lastly, Be Aware of Your Limitations

Although DIY maintenance can save money, you may find yourself in over your head if you aren't a mechanic. Please don't put your safety on the line, as it could cause significant damage to the car and put you and others in danger. And look for car dealership like Sun Toyota, Greater Carrollwood, FL, as they know how to service vehicles and get them ready for the winter season.