A lot of car repair costs can be avoided with proper maintenance and timely repair. Winter is an especially important time of year to perform certain annual maintenance tasks that will save you money and headache in the long run. In many parts of the country, winter brings hazardous temperatures and driving conditions. Keep your vehicle safe from unnecessary car repair by following these simple steps.
One of the simplest tasks should be done first and takes only a few seconds or a few dollars to complete. Open the radiator cap and check to makes sure that your antifreeze levels are adequate. The fluid in your radiator should be 50 percent antifreeze and 50 percent water. Make sure the level is topped off and that the ratio is correct for your part of the country. If you performed a radiator flush as recommended in the spring, this step should be relatively straightforward and simple. Otherwise, you may want to ask the garage that does your regular oil change to check the antifreeze mixture at the same time.
Next, you'll want to carefully inspect your tires. Winter driving conditions are often fatally hazardous and having good rubber on your tires goes a long way to keeping you and your family safe. Shops will offer an opinion on the remaining tread of your tires if you're unsure. The National Highway Transportation Safety Board claims that a good rule of thumb is to make sure you have at least 2/23" of depth. This may be adequate for the rest of the year, but serious winter driving on ice and snow is better accomplished with at least 4/32" of tread depth.
You'll also want to replace your wiper blades and check your windshield washer fluid. These two steps seem simple enough and they are a super cheap way to ensure you stay safe and avoid costly accidents this winter. Avoid bills from accidents caused by poor visibility. Wiper blades should be heavy duty and able to withstand the snow, sleet, sand and salt of winter driving. Washer fluid levels should always be topped up. In the past, many drivers added a bit of antifreeze to their washer fluid, but that is no longer necessary.
Other simple winter maintenance tasks you can do to help safe driving year-round include cleaning your battery posts, inspecting spark plug wires, inspecting brakes, and checking the engine oil. Many unnecessary car repair tasks are avoided with these simple maintenance tasks. They will help your engine run better for longer.
All that said, if you find yourself in the position of needing car repair or maintenance in the near future, don't hesitate to contact a reputable mechanic in your area. Find a dealer or mechanic that you trust and who will answer your questions and concerns openly and candidly. You should never feel like your mechanic is hiding anything from you. There are many reputable mechanics available in your area. It is worth your time and money to find someone you like and trust.
