Freezing temperatures, rain, snow, and ice all take their toll on vehicles throughout winter. Whether you are in the City of Asheville or the surrounding mountains of western North Carolina, you will want to be prepared for safe driving and prevent damage to your vehicle.
Prepare Your Car for Winter in Asheville, NC
Most of this checklist is simple winterization steps you can take to prepare your car for winter. But if you have significant existing body damage to your vehicle, you should look into getting it addressed before severe weather strikes.
First Aid Collision of Asheville can help repair anything from minor dents and dings to significant damage that might put you at risk on the roads this winter. Minor scrapes and chips in the paint can turn into more severe damage and rust with frost and ice.
- Engine Coolant: Follow your car’s instruction manual to check your engine coolant and antifreeze levels. If you need more, add it, but make sure to add the correct mix of antifreeze and water for the cooler temperatures.
- Tires: A 10-degree drop in temperature will drop your tire pressure by a pound, so make sure to check your tires regularly and inflate to your vehicle specification. Underinflated tires can cause grip and steering issues, which you want to avoid on slick winter roads.
- Oil: Make sure that your oil has been changed recently. Thinner oils work better in cooler temperatures, and old thick oil can cause an engine to seize.
- Wipers: Make sure you have sturdy wiper blades installed and that your wiper fluid is winterized so that it will work in lower temperatures without freezing to the windshield.
- Battery: The easiest way to get stranded is a dead battery. Make sure to get yours tested before cold temperatures hit as they lower the efficiency of batteries.
- Fuel: Make sure to keep your gas tank at or above half full to help prevent condensation freeze in fuel lines.
- Emergency Kit: Make sure to prep and stow an emergency car kit in your backseat or trunk.
Preparing for winter ensures your vehicle will make it through with no significant issues. While the worst weather might still cause problems, being prepared ahead of time can make your travel much safer.
First Aid Collision Repair
If the weather this winter results in damage to the body of your car or windshield, significant or not, reach out to us at First Aid Collision for a free estimate. Conveniently located in south Asheville, near main roads, and off a major highway, I-26 we can help get your vehicle back in top driving shape.