Are you ready for winter? We get our fair share of winter weather here in Charlotte and not only do you need to adjust your driving style and habits, but you also need to adjust how you care for your car. Getting it prepped for winter weather is critical, but keeping it in good shape throughout the season is another thing altogether. Toyota of N Charlotte's auto service center is here with tips to help you handle winter weather like a pro.
Winter weather: How you should care for your car on a daily basis
Tip 1: Consider winter car tires.
If you live in an area that sees some serious winter weather - like snow, ice, or sleet - you may want to consider swapping your all-season or summer tires for winter car tires. These tires are designed specifically for winter. They're made of a special rubber that doesn't get stiff in the cold - instead, it stays pliable to allow for better traction. They also have deeper grooves to funnel slush, water, and snow out of the way and grip the road better.
Tip 2: Pay attention to the condition of your wipers.
Your wipers are crucial for keeping your field of vision clear in winter weather so it's important that you take good care of them. Don't use them to clear frost or ice off the glass (this will pretty much shred the rubber) and if they seem like they're in bad condition, replace them ASAP. Additionally, if you're parking your car outside in winter weather, raise your wipers off the glass before you go inside so they don't freeze to the windshield.
Tip 3: Keep your gas tank at least half full.
Keep your car's gas tank at least half full during winter weather. You never know when you'll get stuck in traffic due to bad weather or a car accident ahead on the road and if you're not near a gas station, you could run out of fuel during the delay. This means no heat, which is bad news in the cold. Keep some fuel in the tank so you don't run the risk!
Tip 4: Check your tire pressure (a lot).
When winter weather is hanging around you should check your tire pressure at least once a week. Why? Because cold air makes your tires lose pressure. Tires that are underinflated don't grip the road as well as they should (which means you're more prone to lose traction and slide on ice and snow) and they also lower your fuel efficiency so you have to spend more money on gas. Additionally, underinflated car tires are more prone to blowouts AND wear out faster.
Tip 5: Wax your car more than usual.
Winter weather can really do a number on your car's paint. You should make sure to rinse your car daily if possible to get snow and salt off of it. Try to detail it every few weeks and when you do, apply a coat of quality wax. This will help provide a layer of protection between your car's paint and the outside elements, keeping salt and moisture at bay. Our Charlotte parts store can help you choose a good wax.
Get your car prepped for winter at Toyota of N Charlotte
Have questions or need to get your car prepped for winter weather? We've got everything you need at Toyota of N Charlotte. Call us today at (704) 659-2025 or stop by and see us! We're open seven days a week at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville.
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