With winter weather approaching,

it’s important to take auto

maintenance and safety checks into

consideration to ensure the life of

your vehicle. Before the weather gets

too severe, now is a good time to

look under the hood and make

certain everything is in order. While

you’re at it, make sure your regular

maintenance log is up to date as the

change in seasons is a great time to

go through once-a-year or twice-a-

year auto maintenance tasks.

Cold weather puts stronger-than-

usual demands on your vehicle’s

charging system.

• Check battery posts for

corrosion or weather damage

– nothing is more important

than a perfect battery

connection.

• Check and possibly replace

batteries 4 years and older to

avoid getting stranded

unexpectedly.

• Consider a booster pack or

jumper cables as part of your

winter preparedness kit.

Salt and slush wreak havoc on your

windows, reducing visibility.

• No winter car kit is complete

without an ice scraper and

snow brush, because you

never know when a blizzard

could hit.

• Replace your wiper blades if

they’re old and hardened, or

switch to winter wiper blades.

• Consider cold weather

windshield washer fluid, which

includes antifreeze.

Coolant systems that freeze can lead to

even worse problems like overheating.

• Before the first freeze of the

year, have your car’s coolant

system flushed and checked for

leaks.

• Cars contain a mix of 50% water

and 50% antifreeze. Ensure the

ratio stays close to 50/50 and the

level is full. Many auto service

stations and repair centers will

check this mixture for free. You

can also pick up a testing kit for

about $5.

The interior comfort of

your car is as important

as the engine’s inner

workings!

• Ensure your

heater and vents

are working

properly, with no

leaks.

• Test the window

defroster.

Tires take a lot of wear in the winter

months, so for safety’s sake, get them

checked often.

• Check tread depth. The National

Highway Transportation Safety

Board says you need at least

2/32" of depth to be safe.

• When tires get cold they can

release pressure, so be sure to

keep them inflated.

• Check tire traction before driving

on icy roads.

• Consider snow tires for lengthy

driving during cold winter

months.

Good brakes are crucial for any

vehicle, especially one that’s heading

out on ice or snow-covered roads.

• Ask your maintenance team

for a complete check of the

brake system, from hydraulic

fluid to brake pads.

• Read up on winter driving

tactics, like what to do if your

car hits a patch of black ice.

Whether you’re leaving your car at home

all winter in search of warmer climates, or just storing the vehicle for a long weekend, be sure your car has protection from the

elements. • If you have a garage, use it to

protect your paint job, guard

against ice, and prevent fluid freezing.

• Invest in a car cover if you don’t

have a garage. A car cover won’t do much to prevent fluids from freezing, but it will keep snow and

ice off the windshield and your paint, and help protect your car from salts that might be used on

the streets.

Desert Sun Auto Group serves the Greater New Mexico and West Texas areas. With locations in Alamogordo, Roswell and Espanola, stop by for the best deals of the area. Desert Sun Auto Group offers favorite brands like Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, and Toyota.

Phone: (575) 437-7530

Website: http://www.desertsunmotors.com/