How to prepare your car for cold temperatures

As temperatures continue to drop, your vehicle will begin to feel the effects of the colder seasons. Many drivers use early autumn to prepare their cars for the cold. Here's a closer look at how cold weather affects your car and how you can prepare for cooler temperatures.

Tire inflation and cold weather

Around this time each year, you may notice that your tire pressure drops. When the temperature drops, the air inside the tires can compress. This can affect fuel economy and leave your tires vulnerable. How can you prepare? You can protect your tires from cold weather by checking your tire pressure regularly and inflating them as needed (or have them checked for free when you change your Chapel Hill tire oil). Read our complete guide to tire pressure here. 

Cold weather and dead car batteries

During the cold season, many drivers experience dead batteries or battery problems. Cold weather interrupts the chemical reactions your battery depends on. New batteries can handle the cold, but old batteries can start to fail. How can you prepare? If your battery is old, you can prepare for cold weather by having it checked, repaired, and replaced if necessary. You can also help protect your battery by parking your car in your garage overnight. 

Short days and vehicle lighting services

Autumn brings unique driving challenges. As we begin to see shorter days, you will need to rely more on your car's headlights. If they dim or your light bulb burns out, you can become vulnerable on the road. How can you prepare? It is imperative that you check your car's headlights regularly and replace faulty light bulbs. This can help keep you (and others) safe, prevent you from getting a ticket, and help you pass your vehicle inspection. Replacing your windshield wipers can also improve your visibility on the road. Finally, you may want to consider headlight restoration services if your lenses are fogged up or oxidized. Read our complete guide to car headlights here.

Oil change and cold weather

An oil change is necessary at any time of the year. However, cold weather can thicken the oil, making it difficult for the engine to circulate. This can overload the engine and increase the load on the battery. As you might have guessed, these oil problems are exacerbated when your oil is old, contaminated, and needs to be replaced. How can you prepare? To protect the engine, follow the oil change procedure in a timely manner. 

Tire fitting for safe driving

The later we enter the season, the more likely we are to see overnight frosts, the occasional snowy day and icy roads. One of the most important safety measures in inclement weather is good tires. The tread of your tire provides traction, which is important all year round. However, inclement weather can exacerbate the impact of worn tires. How can you prepare? Before the temperature gets too high, check the tire's tread depth to make sure it's still at a safe level. If the tread is worn down to the wear indicator strips (often at 2/32 of an inch of tread), you should replace the tire. You can also make sure you get any tire service - wheel alignment, rim repair, tire rotation and balancing - to protect your tires. 

Stay safe with Brake Services

Just like your tyres, your brakes are a key component to your safety – all year round and during the colder months. Regular replacement of brake pads ensures that your vehicle is safely slowed down and stopped. In inclement weather, the brakes must be efficient and responsive. How can you prepare? Before the weather gets bad, you should check that your brakes are in good condition and have them repaired if necessary. 

Maintenance flushes for the autumn season

Your vehicle uses a wide range of fluid solutions to keep it running safely and efficiently. Cold weather disproportionately affects slurries as their components may be susceptible to freezing. How can you prepare? Make sure you are up to date on all your preventive flushes. Here is a brief overview of preventive flushes and necessary maintenance depending on the mileage of the car. 

Chapel Hill Tire Local Car Service

Once you've passed these checks, you're all set and your car is ready for the fall weather and the adventure it brings. Whether you need tuning or maintenance, Chapel Hill Tire mechanics are here to help. Book an appointment at one of our 8 offices across the Triangle including Chapel Hill, Carrborough, Raleigh and Durham to get started today!

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