Winter Car Care: Preparing Your Vehicle For Cold Weather

As temperatures fall, road conditions may decrease as well. Icy streets and lower visibility can be hazardous, making it incredibly important to ensure your vehicle is winter-ready before the seasons change. While we won’t experience the same harsh conditions as drivers up north, even temperature drops can have a major impact on your vehicle. 

Our highly trained service technicians at Sumter Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM have provided some simple winter car care tips below! Read on to learn more about preparing your vehicle for the months ahead, or just stop by and let us handle all your automotive needs!

Check Your Tires 

As temperatures decrease, your tires’ pressure will follow suit. In fact, tires lose air pressure at a rate of about one pound per 10 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature. Maintaining proper tire pressure not only optimizes your vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency, but helps keep your family safe on the road! 

Be sure to check your owner’s manual to find out the correct PSI for your vehicle’s tires. Most newer cars will let you know when you need to add air, but if not, visit your local gas station’s air pressure station to check. Keep in mind that adding too much air can cause your tires to wear more quickly and unevenly. 

It is also a good idea to schedule a tire rotation and tread depth assessment before the winter months. If it’s time for a tire replacement, we can help with that too! If you’re interested in snow tires, winter tires, or all-season tires, our team will help determine which is the best fit for your vehicle. And don’t forget to always keep a spare tire on hand! 

Check Your Brakes 

Slippery roads may require you to apply extra pressure to your brakes, so it’s crucial that they are up to the job. To ensure your brake system is prepared to handle roads with decreased traction, watch out for the following: 

• Squealing that suggests your brake pads have worn down 
• Increased stopping distance
• Pulling to one side 

In general, it’s best to have your brakes thoroughly inspected every six months. Schedule your brake check today at our Sumter CDJR Service Department!

Check Fluid Levels 

Winter driving requires your vehicle’s fluids to be at the proper levels. Start with windshield wiper fluid and top off levels if needed. You may even want to switch to winter washer fluid that won’t freeze in cold temperatures. And be sure to check your wiper blades while you’re at it!

Check your engine oil levels next. Oil thickens as temperatures drop, making heavier oil ineffective in cold conditions. Ask your Service Department technician which type of oil is best – conventional oil, full synthetic, or synthetic blend. Then, stop by for a quick oil change today!

Brake fluid levels are crucial as well. Snow, ice, and rain can have a negative effect, with water molecules contaminating brake fluids. You may also want to invest in an engine coolant, like antifreeze, to keep your engine running as efficiently as possible in colder temperatures. 

Check Your Battery

Colder temperatures can cause car batteries to fail, so be sure to get yours tested before the seasons change! Vehicle batteries that are a few years old are more likely to fail, so if you have any questions about your car’s battery life or need a replacement, speak with our service team in Sumter! A multimeter can also be used to check the life of your car battery from home throughout the winter months. Remember to keep jumper cables in your vehicle, just in case!

Make Sure You Have Emergency Supplies

No matter how prepared you are, emergencies may still occur. That’s why we recommend always keeping a fully stocked emergency kit in your car – including items like a first aid kit, blankets, warm clothing, flashlight, non-perishable snacks, water, shovel, ice scraper, and more! 

Visit Your Trusted Service Technicians in Sumter!

Our team is equipped to handle all your auto maintenance needs, so come see us today! We service all makes and models, providing the following to our loyal customers:

• General Automotive Repair
• Preventative Car Maintenance
• Air Conditioning and Heater Service
• Cooling System and Radiator Repair
• Synthetic Motor Oil Replacement
• Oil Filter Replacement
• Brake Repair
• Engine Diagnostic
• Tune-Up

We will also check the following auto parts and perform replacements as needed:

• Belts
• Hoses
• Fluids
• Air Filters
• Alternators
• Batteries
• Headlights
• Starters
• Transmission Services
• Struts

Interested in a new vehicle to cruise into the new season in style? We have a great variety of popular new models on our lot, like the RAM 1500 and Jeep Cherokee as well as the Dodge Durango, Challenger, and Charger. If you’re looking to trade in your current vehicle for a used or certified pre-owned model, we have plenty of fantastic options to choose from!

We’re conveniently located in Sumter, SC – near Manning, Florence, Camden County, and more. To ensure your vehicle is ready to ride, schedule your service appointment today!

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