Get Ready for Winter

Winter is right around the corner. While we’re lucky that we don’t have to deal with snow, ice or freezing temperatures – colder temperatures in Los Angeles can effect your vehicle’s performance. By doing some routine seasonal maintenance and keeping up good car care habits you can save yourself a lot of trouble in the long run.

Tires
Tires lose pressure as it gets colder. Keeping a properly inflated set of tires is essential for optimum gas mileage. And with gas prices at record highs, it’s especially important.

Battery
Colder temperatures can make your battery lose some of its power. If you have a battery that’s a couple of years old, have the charging system checked and be wary of grinding noises when you start your car. It could be the sign of a weakened battery – and there’s nothing worse than your battery dying in the middle of nowhere. Carrying a set of jumper cables never hurts.

Warming Your Engine
Let your car idle when starting up in cold weather; this will let the oil be distributed properly, ensuring lubrication. A few minutes will usually do.

Oil
Use multi-viscosity oils in cold weather. This will help your engine start more easily and will reduce harm to engine parts. When engines don’t warm up properly, fuel can drain into the crankcase and harm engine oil. Multi-viscosity oils will help prevent this. Ask for them at your local gas station or ask a technician at your local auto repair shop.

Hoses
Check for leaking or cracked hoses. Hoses are crucial in your car’s cooling system and can become more easily damaged in winter.

Keep your distance!
Wet roads in the L.A. winter mean that it takes extra time to stop. Save yourself an accident. Use caution and don’t follow other vehicles too closely.

Keep up your normal routine
Be sure to rotate your tires, get an oil change every 3,000 miles, replace your filters, and keep your fluids properly filled. Also if you don’t have one already, start an emergency kit for your vehicle. This should include jumper cables, a tool kit, radio, and first aid supplies.

For more reminders as to how to keep your car in the best shape possible, please view our safety tips page. Want to keep your gas mileage down? Read this.

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