Those cold, icy days are coming up, which means we need to make sure our cars are ready to handle another Fargo winter! We asked the experts at Seventh Avenue Auto what tips they’d share to prepare our cars for winter, and they provided an excellent list. From tires and fluids to wipers and heaters, use this list to make sure your car can handle the cold winter to come and keep you safe!
Tips for Preparing Your Car for Winter
1. Check your tires.
Tires can wear over time, so it’s important to check the tread on each tire. Use the Penny Trick – place a penny inside your tire tread and see how much of Lincoln’s head is visible. If you can’t see all of the head when it’s turned upside down, your tread is too worn.
Feel the inside of your tire for wear as well – this could indicate your alignment is off.
2. Examine fluids.
Check your reservoir containers – is anything leaking? Do they appear low? Take a picture of the reservoir if you need to ask what fluid it is for.
3. Check your blower fans and heater.
Turn on the controller to heat on your dash and crank it to high. Is it blowing hot air? Is the air flow strong? Heat is a must for our cold winters, so you don’t want to compromise this function in your car.
4. Check your windshield wipers.
Turn on your windshield wipers, and check the wiper arms, blades, and motor. Check your glass for any cracks – these will only get worse with cold temperatures and should be fixed.
5. Inspect doors and the trunk.
Open and close all the doors to your vehicle, as well as your tailgate or trunk to ensure they are functioning properly. If a lock seems sticky, spray it with some lubricant to see if it can loosen any sticky parts. If it’s still sticks or won’t work, it likely needs to be replaced.
6. Check your headlights and mirrors.
Inspect them for any visible damage (cracks, any lights not working). Headlights are vital during those snowy commutes, and you want to ensure they are working properly for safety.
Need tires or a replacement part?
Seventh Avenue Auto carries all major brands of used tires, plus a wide variety of headlights, mirrors, mechanical components, fluid reservoirs, A/C controls, heater motors, door handles and locks, and other used parts to get your vehicle to run right. They can track down the correct part if needed, and offer great pricing to save you money on your vehicle repairs! Call them at 701-282-5130 to talk to a parts expert today!
Click here to print the Winter Ready Car Checklist below, or save to your phone to reference later!
