Winter weather can be tough on your vehicle, but some simple preparation can help ensure your car is ready to handle the cold temperatures, snow, and ice. At Antwerpen Chevrolet, it's our mission to get local drivers from Mount Airy, Ellicott City ready for winter driving. Service your Chevy along Sykesville Road in Eldersburg with the local winter maintenance experts. We have a few tips to follow to prepare your vehicle for the winter months ahead.
Get Your Car Ready for Winter with These Essential Tips
Check and Top Off Fluids
Make sure your car has sufficient oil, antifreeze, power steering, brake, and transmission fluids. Low fluids can cause major damage, especially in frigid temperatures. It's also wise to keep your gas tank close to full in winter. This prevents moisture from forming in the fuel lines and can help you stay warm should you get stranded. Be sure to check your fluid levels before temperatures drop in Mount Airy.
Inspect Wiper Blades
Driving with a streaky windshield is a safety hazard, so be sure to check your wiper blades and replace them if they're damaged or worn. Consider installing winter wiper blades, which are made to withstand snow and ice on the roads around Westminster. While you're at it, top off your wiper fluid with a winter-grade washer fluid that won't freeze.
Prepare Your Tires for Winter Weather
Proper tire inflation and tread depth are crucial for maintaining traction on icy or snowy roads. Check your tire pressure regularly, as tires lose pressure in colder temperatures. Tread depth should not be below 2/32 of an inch. Consider ordering new tires. Installing winter tires can provide superior traction for those frequently driving in snowy and icy conditions around Columbia.
Test Your Car Battery
Don't be late to an event in Frederick, MD this winter because your car battery is failing in cold weather conditions. It's important to test car batteries before winter. If your battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it before winter hits. A dead battery is not only inconvenient, but it can also leave you stranded in dangerous winter weather.
Assemble a Winter Emergency Kit
It's a smart idea to carry a winter emergency kit in your vehicle in case you get stuck or stranded. A well-stocked kit should include a blanket, flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid supplies, snacks, water, gloves, boots, an ice scraper, and a small shovel.
Protect Your Car's Exterior
Road salt and winter grime from driving around Ellicott City in such conditions can damage your car's paint and cause rust and corrosion. Give your car a thorough wash and wax before winter to protect the finish. For extra protection, consider a ceramic coating, which creates a durable barrier against the elements. Regular washing throughout the winter is also important to prevent salt build-up.
Get a Pre-Winter Vehicle Inspection
Before the cold weather hits, it's wise to bring your car to Antwerpen Chevrolet for a pre-winter inspection. We can check your car's belts, hoses, brakes, heating system, defroster, and other components to make sure everything is in good working order. Catching potential problems early can prevent them from leaving you stuck in the cold.
Visit Antwerpen Chevrolet for Winter Maintenance
Get your car ready for winter driving conditions in Maryland with a visit to the Antwerpen Chevrolet service center. When winter weather conditions strike Columbia and Ellicott City, your Chevrolet will be prepared by being fully serviced. Schedule service online with our Chevrolet service center near Sykesville. Be sure to browse ongoing Chevy service specials for deals on winter maintenance prep.