Posted on December 21, 2023 by Rick Griffith

Today is the first day of winter, so how can you keep your vehicle safe and reliable using winter car care tips?

Cold weather conditions affect cars, leading to potential safety hazards and costly repairs. By implementing proper winter car care tips and proactive maintenance measures, you can ensure your vehicle is prepared for the winter months by caring for these specific areas on your vehicle:

1. Windshield Wipers
2. Washing Your Car’s Undercarriage
3. Tire Care
4. Preparing Engine Fluids
5. Keep a Full Fuel Tank

1. Check and Replace Wiper Blades for Optimal Visibility

Maintaining clear visibility on the road during winter is crucial for safe driving. Over time, wiper blades can become worn out or damaged, resulting in streaks, and smudges that can inhibit your ability to see through the windshield safely.

If your windshield wipers are ineffectively removing snow and ice from your windshield, it’s time to replace your wiper blades.

2. Protect Your Car’s Undercarriage from Salt De-icers

During winter, your car’s undercarriage is particularly vulnerable to damage from commonly used road salt de-icers. These road salt de-icers are particularly corrosive to the metal used in manufacturing your car and can lead to costly repairs.

However, with proper winter car undercarriage protection, you can safeguard your automobile and prolong its lifespan. One effective way to protect your car’s undercarriage is to wash away salt buildup.

3. Ensure Proper Tire Tread Depth for Improved Traction on Icy Roads

Proper tire tread depth is crucial for improved traction on icy winter roads. When it comes to driving safety, make sure to have the same tires mounted and balanced on all four wheels. It can make all the difference in maintaining control and preventing accidents.

To check your tire tread depth, you can use a simple method known as the penny test. Take a penny and insert it into one of the grooves of your tire with Lincoln’s head facing downwards. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tire tread depth has worn down too much, and it’s time to replace them with new ones.

4. Prepare Your Engine Fluids for Subzero Temperatures

As temperatures drop and winter sets in, preparing your engine fluids for freezing temperatures or subzero conditions is crucial. Proper winter engine fluid maintenance ensures your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently during the cold months.

It’s essential to check that your antifreeze levels are sufficiently filled for freezing temperatures to ensure optimal protection. Reference your vehicle’s manual or seek assistance from a trusted mechanic. Additionally, consider using an antifreeze tester to measure the antifreeze concentration in your coolant mixture accurately.

5. Keep a Full Fuel Tank to Prevent Fuel Line Freezing

One crucial aspect of winter fuel tank maintenance is preventing fuel line freezing. Cold weather conditions can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s fuel system, leading to potential breakdowns and costly repairs. That’s why keeping a full fuel tank during the winter is essential.

Ensuring your fuel tank is always topped off minimizes the risk of condensation forming inside the tank. Condensation can lead to water droplets mixing with the fuel, freezing, and clogging the fuel lines. That can result in engine stalling or even complete engine failure.

Take Proactive Steps to Fossert Safe Driving Habits

Lastly, practicing safe driving habits is essential during winter months in Joplin, which includes:

• Slowing down to drive at appropriate speeds for road and weather conditions
• Leaving earlier for extended commuting times
• Allow for braking distance by putting more space between your car and other vehicles in front of you
• Avoid sudden maneuvers that could lead to loss of control

By taking these proactive steps to protect your vehicle during the winter months in Joplin, Missouri, you can ensure its operational efficiency, longevity, safety, and reliability.

Buying a Safe, Reliable Car

Rick Griffith, the owner of Car Credit, emphasizes the importance of ensuring a safe driving experience when purchasing a used vehicle. Whether you’re buying from a buy here, pay here dealership in Joplin, or from an individual, Rick suggests having a car inspected by a trusted mechanic to guarantee its safety and reliability.

Car Credit’s dedicated team goes above and beyond by undertaking extensive reconditioning steps on every used car they sell. That’s because the safety and reliability of their vehicles are a top priority for the team at Car Credit.

It guarantees every vehicle at the BHPH dealership is mechanically sound and meets all highway safety standards, regardless of vehicle price.

Griffith reminds us that “this commitment lies at the core of Car Credit’s business focus. We are dedicated to transparency and ensuring you have all the necessary information for your peace of mind.”

As a bonus, your Car Credit representative will provide a detailed copy of the reconditioning report upon request. That’s because “we firmly believe that any reputable dealer should be more than willing to disclose this information to you without hesitation,” says Griffith.

To expedite your car buying process, take advantage of Car Credit’s convenient online inventory review and complete their hassle-free online credit application today!