This winter has brought freezing temperatures and plenty of snow and ice to Northern Colorado! While we love to play in the snow, we recognize that winter conditions can make vehicle maintenance and safety feel a bit complex. Over the years, we’ve learned a few tricks to ensure that our vehicles are operating smoothly and safely, even in cold weather. Read on to learn more!
Keep your gas tank full, especially when snow or freezing temperatures are forecasted.
While it takes incredibly low temperatures to freeze gasoline, having a nearly-empty gas tank in below freezing temperatures can spell trouble for your fuel tank and fuel lines. Prevent condensation and corrosion in your fuel system by filling up your tank often. What’s more, it never hurts to make sure that your vehicle will be able to reliably transport you in unpredictable weather – having a full tank of gas is an important piece of this.
Check your vehicle’s tire pressure regularly.
Cold weather can decrease the pressure in your vehicle’s tires – in fact, a 20℉ change in temperature can result in a 1-2 PSI change in tires. Underinflated tires can be dangerous, as low tire pressure can increase the time it takes for your vehicle to come to a stop. What’s more, your tires will wear out more quickly if they’re under inflated. We recommend that you check and adjust your vehicle’s tire pressure often, especially in the case of extreme temperature fluctuations.
Wash your vehicle often to prevent rust and corrosion.
Roads are often treated with salt or magnesium chloride in the winter, in order to help ice melt more quickly. While this salt makes winter driving much safer, it can be tough on the exterior of your vehicle. The salt can corrode the paint of your vehicle, and can cause buildup on your headlights. Keep your vehicle in good condition by washing your vehicle regularly in the wintertime.
Drive smart!
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to winter driving. Even if you feel comfortable driving in icy or snowy conditions, remember that there may be other drivers on the road who have less experience than you do. Take it slow, keep a good following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, and be aware of the possibility of black ice. We also recommend that you keep blankets, water and snacks in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
While caring for your vehicle in the winter may feel like a daunting task, just remember that the experts at Houska Automotive are only a phone call away. If you’re looking for expert advice on how to prevent winter vehicle damage, contact us at 970-821-8654 to speak to one of our friendly team members. You can also schedule an appointment online by visiting https://houskaautomotive.com/schedule-service/.
Our job is to keep you safe on the road, no matter the weather!