Dec 15, 2014

Winter Car Care Tips

Isn’t it worth spending an hour or two of your time to winterize your Mazda before winter weather strikes – and you end up sitting on the side of the road in a cold, dead car waiting for help? The very last thing anyone wants is to break down at all, much less in cold weather. You can save yourself the bother and frustration – and even danger – of this by simply checking and winter-proofing your vehicle. Just bring your car, truck or SUV to our service experts to make sure you are safe and secure on the roads around Charlotte, NC this winter.

Vehicle Winterizing Tips From Mazda of South Charlotte

Caring for your Mazda in the winter is easy, with the help of Mazda of South Charlotte. Here are a few tips to follow for your safety.

Brakes – Check your brakes! The brakes are really the most crucial safety system on your vehicle, and having them in the best shape possible when driving in adverse wintery conditions during the winter is of the utmost importance.
Tune Up – If your vehicle is due to be tuned up, go ahead and get it done before the cold weather sets in. Cold temperatures tend to make problems like hard starts, rough idling, pings and sluggish performance even worse.
Battery – The extreme cold of winter weather is especially hard on your battery – and your vehicle won’t start without it, so have the charging system and battery checked to ensure optimum performance.
Coolant – As a general rule, you should flush your cooling system every couple of years. If you haven’t done so yet, clean and flush the system and add new antifreeze this year.
Defrosters – Winter weather can wreak havoc on a driver’s vision, so give yourself an advantage by making sure your defrosters, heaters and wipers are in good working order. Winter wiper blades are an extra edge, as is the use of cold weather washer fluid.
Exhaust – Carbon monoxide leaks in your exhaust system can be dangerous any time of the year, but when you drive in cold weather, you keep the windows closed more – so have your exhaust system checked for leaks!
Lights – Snowy or cold fog conditions are difficult enough to navigate during the day, but at night, it’s that much worse. Do yourself and other drivers a favor by checking that all of your lights – both inside and out – work properly. This is also a good time to check that your headlights are properly aimed.
Tires – If snow begins to fall, you might want to consider special winter tires that help grip slick roads. Otherwise, take a look at the tread depth on your vehicle and make sure your tires are in good shape. Tire pressure should be checked on a weekly basis during the winter months. Don’t forget the spare in your trunk.
Oil – Dirty engine oil can mean big trouble in winter. Oil and filter changes are always important and should be done on a regular schedule to keep your vehicle running right, but a service before winter sets in will ease your mind. In colder places, you can even consider using a “winter weight” oil. While you are at it, this is a great time to check the air, fuel and transmission filters, too.

Three Things You Might Miss When Caring For Your Mazda in The Winter

Salt & Your Tires

Salt is one way the roads are cleared in winter weather. This salt can be ruinous to the paint on your vehicle, so consider putting a good coat of good quality wax or a sealant on your vehicle. That salt is also unfriendly to your tires, so a hydrating tire gel, which helps keep the rubber supple for improved road contact, is another great tip. In the winter, (or any time of year, really) try to keep your fuel tank at least half full to prevent moisture and possible freezing in your fuel lines.

Caring For Your Mazda in The Winter – And Caring For Yourself, Too!

Even if you follow all of these super tips, stuff can happen, and you might end up stuck anyway. Be prepared for that by stocking a simple emergency road kit. Fill your kit with a snow brush, ice scraper, flashlight and batteries, road flares, extra clothing, a warm blanket, some dry food snacks, matches and candles, bottled water, and any medication you might need. Even if you get stuck, you can at least be stuck with a full belly!