When it comes to taking care of your vehicle in the winter, not much is different from the usual year-round recommended maintenance list. However, because winter weather can pose more hazardous conditions, you want to make sure your vehicle won’t leave you stranded on the side of the road. This is especially important for teen and elderly drivers.
Continue reading to learn how to prevent dangerous automotive malfunctions, breakdowns, and roadside emergencies this winter.
Proper Automotive Maintenance
There are some critical areas that stand out as major overlooks in terms of poor winter car maintenance. These mistakes will lead you on a path of breakdowns, poor performance, and costly repair bills. Although there are several things you can do on your own to care for your ride, there are some tasks that require the skill and equipment of a professional automotive technician.
Failing to have your vehicle serviced regularly, or at least on time per year, is the perfect recipe for disaster. It is one of the most common reasons why cars breakdown unexpectedly, and drivers face outrageous repair bills for something that started out as a small issues 9 months ago. Be sure to check your owners’ manual for your vehicle’s recommended factory maintenance schedule.
Common Mistakes That Can Lead to unsafe Roadside Emergencies:
⚠ Ignore Brake Problems
A little squeal here and there isn’t anything to worry about; right? Wrong. If this is what you have told yourself in the past, it’s time to learn the truth about car brake maintenance. Keep in mind that you are operating a 5 ton moving weapon, and without reliable and functional brakes, you have no control over it. Brakes are one of the most vital components of a vehicle in terms of safety; safety for yourself and for others. So if you neglect a problem with your brakes, it can turn into a costly, or worse, deadly error. As soon as you notice a change in your braking system, contact a licensed mechanic for an inspection.
⚠ Forget Antifreeze
They call it “anti-freeze” for a reason! Freezing temperatures can cause all the vital fluids in your vehicle to freeze, so using antifreeze in the radiator can prevent this from happening. In the wintertime, drivers often forget to add more antifreeze to the radiator, resulting in a car that won’t start. When it’s cold, your vehicle’s cooling system requires this important fluid in order to function properly.
⚠ Skip an Oil Change
It is important to keep your engine running smoothly at all times; but in the winter, your engine requires a bit more “TLC” than it would normally. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to get a wintertime oil change, to ensure your motor is performing optimally, and won’t surprise you with an unexpected breakdown 3 months from now.
⚠ Neglect Tires
Many drivers do not realize that tires lose pressure in the summer as a result of dry climate and hot weather. So by this time of year, most tires are in need of some attention. In addition to keeping your car tires properly inflated, you need to also ensure that your tires are properly aligned and balanced, and retain proper tread for adequate road traction. Factory scheduled maintenance covers this service, which should be implemented at least once per year, as mentioned.
How to Prepare for Roadside Emergencies
It is strongly recommended to keep a quality emergency roadside assistance kit in your car at all times in the case that your vehicle experiences some unexpected operational problems this winter. It is also encouraged to call for help in the case of a vehicular emergency, especially in inclement weather like snow, blizzards, and freezing temperatures. Professional towing companies offer reputable and affordable roadside assistance services 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Call them if you are ever stranded on the side of the road due to a vehicular malfunction.
Get 24 Hour Roadside Assistance in Indianapolis
Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for affordable Indianapolis towing and roadside assistance services if your car breaks down unexpectedly. Our licensed and insured wrecker operators provide punctual and prompt tow truck services throughout all of Central Indiana, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! We also provide a wide range of municipal services, roadside wrecker and recovery services, and much more. Request a free estimate, anytime.