Prepare your car for driving in winter in North Carolina

Here in the Charlotte area, we get a little taste of winter. Not nearly as much as our neighbors to the north, but we see some ice and sleet, rain, and enough snow to make it feel like it's really winter. Not to mention, we get our fair share of low temperatures. Even though we don't see harsh winter weather in North Carolina as a whole, the weather that we do get can still have a negative impact on your car and your drive time if you haven't prepared accordingly. Toyota of N Charlotte is here with tips on how to prep your car for driving in winter in North Carolina. 

Four tips to prep your car for driving in winter 

Tip #1: Check your car tires. How are your car tires looking? Before winter arrives, you want to ensure they're in the best condition possible - no bulges, blisters, sidewall separation, etc. You'll also want to check your tread depth (use the penny test or have our Charlotte auto service techs check for your) so your tires can grip icy, slippery roads. Additionally, check your tire PSI. When driving in winter, your car tires can lose pressure as the cold temps make the air inside of your tires denser. Make sure they're full enough to begin with so if they do lose a little pressure, you don't damage your tires. 

Tip #2: Take a closer look at your wiper blades. How did your wiper blades far after a long, hot summer? The summer sun can dry out the rubber on your wipers, causing it to crack and rip. Make sure that the rubber is intact and in good condition, and that your wipers cleanly sweep water off your windshield and don't leave smears or streaks. If you notice any issues, let our Charlotte car care techs help you out - you don't want to be driving in winter weather with bad wipers. 

Tip #3: Have your battery inspected. Before tackling driving in winter weather, have your car battery checked out at Toyota of N Charlotte. Our techs will inspect its physical condition, looking for leaks or swelling, and also check the terminals and cables to ensure everything is secure. Additionally, they'll be able to test the voltage of your car battery to make sure it can handle the cold. Remember, cold weather can negatively impact car batteries, especially if they're not in good shape to begin with. Don't get stuck with a dead battery! 

Tip #4: Ensure your heater and defroster are working. Are both your heater and your defroster working in your N Charlotte Toyota? NOW is the time to check - you don't want to be stuck with them not working while driving in winter weather. Test them both routinely as winter weather approaches and if you notice any issues, have our Charlotte auto service techs inspect the system as a whole to find the problem. 

Get your car prepared for North Caroline winter at Toyota of N Charlotte 

Have questions about prepping your car for NC winter? Don't risk driving in winter without getting your car in shape - call us today at (704) 659-2025 to schedule service or stop by. We're open seven days a week at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville.