Extremely cold weather has the potential to cause havoc with your vehicle, causing damage to the engine, the battery, even the tires. The risk gets amplified during a cold snap, as temperatures can plummet overnight and compromise your morning commute.
So stay on top of the weather forecast, and consider these steps you can take to prepare and protect your vehicle for winter weather:
- Check the battery. Low temperatures drain your battery faster than high temperatures, so make sure that the terminals and cables are well-connected and free of corrosion. If you coat the terminals with automotive grease or petroleum jelly, you can help prevent deposits from forming. If your battery looks swollen, or it appears that the casing might be cracked, visit our Service Center and have it looked at ASAP.
- Monitor your tires. Keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI; cold weather drops the tire pressure, which negatively affects handling and stopping ability.
- Check the engine oil regularly, and change it if needed. Low temperatures make the oil thicker and interfere with its ability to move through the engine. This could, in extreme cases, lead to a breakdown and extensive repairs.
- Inspect the belts, hoses, wipers and windshield regularly.Belts and hoses are much more likely to grow brittle and break in winter, and wipers need to be in ideal condition to fully remove snow and ice. If your windshield has any cracks or chips, odds are that they will get worse in cold weather.
- Keep the gas tank filled as often as you can.While it’s a hassle, having a tank that’s half-full helps prevent gas-line freeze-ups. Every time you fill up, take a look at the coolant level. It can be ruinous for your engine to run low on coolant (a.k.a., antifreeze) in winter.
- Always keep an emergency kit with the vehicle.You can’t predict breaking down or getting stranded; it’s better to be prepared and not need the kit than the opposite.
Our showroom at 3373 North College in Fayetteville, AR, proudly serves Ford drivers from the Springdale,Siloam Springs, Hunstville and Farmington areas .