Georgia isn’t known for its heavy snowfall, but Georgia residents still need to master the fundamentals of winter car care. For one thing, they may drive their cars, trucks, or SUVs to colder places. Another possibility is that there will be a colder-than-average Georgia winter that brings an unexpected amount of snow and ice. When vehicle owners take good care of the cars during the cooler months, they’ll boost safety and keep their rides in great condition for longer.
Warm Your Car Engine Overnight
Blizzards aren’t a common event in The Peach State, but freezing rain and up to five inches of snow per year are possibilities, especially in mountainous regions, such as Gilmer and Pickens. If winter temperatures plunge below -15 C, you should utilize a block heater. Plug your auto in overnight to keep its engine warmed up. When you do, you’ll find that it starts easily in the morning.
Remove Leaves and Other Debris
When it comes to your home, removing leaves and other debris stops gutters from getting clogged. The same principle applies with your vehicle. If it’s a windy day or night, leaves or other debris may get caught in parts of your car and trigger rust and/or leaks. So, inspect your vehicle and get rid of anything that shouldn’t be there.
Don’t Forget to Add Winter Tires
To stay safe on the roads when the weather gets chilly, put winter tires on your vehicle. Don’t skip this important step, as your existing tires may not be up to winter road conditions. While all-weather tires are good enough most of the time, given the climate, do you really want to take a chance? Winter tires will be better choices when there’s freezing rain or other road hazards.
Make Sure The Fuel Tank Is Half-Full
When you keep the fuel tank at least half-full during winter, you’ll greatly minimize the risk of running out of gas during a bad-weather situation. No one wants to get stranded when the wind is howling and it’s really cold. Another advantage to having a fairly full gas tank is that the fuel in the tank is less likely to freeze when condensation crops up.
Don’t Skimp On Routine Maintenance
When it starts getting colder, you should get a mechanic to inspect your vehicle. This type of routine maintenance can save your life. If you have a valid warranty, it’ll also ensure that your warranty stays in force. Choose a reputable mechanic who understands your make and model inside and out. If your vehicle needs repairs, get that taken care of as soon as you can. Winter isn’t the time to let repairs slide. You need to know that your car is one hundred percent safe to drive.
These tips will help you to keep your vehicle in tip-top condition all winter long. If you dream of a better ride, which makes it easier to enjoy the winter season in premium comfort and safety, why not take a new or used auto for a test drive today?
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