When winter hits, there is a lot your car can experience before spring arrives. Slippery roads, snow, rain, and storms make your vehicle more vulnerable to car accidents, getting stuck, and car trouble. This can be avoided with proper due diligence. You will want to check your tires, oil, wiper blades, exhaust system, battery, brakes, and emergency supplies. Ensuring these are well taken care of can secure the safety of your Calgary used car for the entire cold-weather season.
The very first step before you do anything else should be to read your owners manful and follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules.
When the weather in Calgary begins to change, so do your tires. The air pressure can shrink, causing your MPG to drop and decreasing the grip your tires have on the road. This can cause both economic and safety issues.
To avoid this be sure to check your tire pressure, especially when the temperatures first drop dramatically. You should rotate your tires as recommended, and check the tire pressure every month. Allow the tires to “cool down” before you check the pressure. The air pressure in your tires has likely dropped as the weather has become colder–be sure to see where things stand now. Also, do not forget to check your spare tire and ensure the jack is in good working condition. Someused cars in Calgarycome with monitors to check this for you, others you will need to confirm manually. Either way, you can correct the pressure at gas stations that provide air pumps. Your trusty’s owner’s manual will explain what your target tire pressure should be.
These include air, fuel, and PCV. Note, an engine that runs poorly is less efficient and burns more gasoline.
When the temperature begins dropping below freezing, add a bottle of fuel deicer in your task each month. This will help to keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Additionally, keeping the gas tank filled also helps prevent moisture from forming.
Your used car in Calgary will specify when to change your oil and oil filter. Oil and filter changes that are regularly performed are one of the most frequently neglected services despite them being essential to protect your engine.
The following should be checked periodically:
· The level condition
· The concentration of the coolant
Usually, a 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is recommended.
The heater and defroster of your used car in Calgary should be in good working condition. Not only will you be thankful that it is functioning correctly, but so will passenger(s).
Our climate can be harsh. To fight ice build-up purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades. Usually, they work effectively for about one year, so be sure to invest in some new ones if it is time for an upgrade. You would be surprised just how much you use during the winter months. Also, do not forget to always have an ice scraper in your vehicle.
Detecting a weak battery accurately requires professional equipment.Contact yourused car dealer in Calgary; they will be happy to assist you.
If you have a four-wheel-drive system, it is vital to check the status and be sure it is working correctly, especially when winter rolls around given that most drivers do not use their 4WD system during the pleasant summer months. You will need to make sure the system engages and disengages easily, and that all drivers in your household understand how and when to activate the system.
Part of being prepared for the winter season is having an emergency kit available in case of an emergency. In your kit, you should have a flashlight, small digging shovel, extra batteries, bottled water, a blanket, and first aid kit. You should even add a few “high-energy” snacks in your glove box. Better safe than sorry, right? These items should also be easily accessible from the inside of your car. If you need to exit your vehicle to retrieve these items, for example if they are stored in the back of your trunk, it is not the right place for them.
Take the time to ensure your car is safe and maintained for the winter season. Doing so now will prevent future accidents and potential trouble you could encounter if you are not adequately prepared. A mechanic can help provide checks for your entire car. Also, a quick trip to the mall can provide you with everything, you will need for your emergency supply kit.
