6 Tips to Get Your Car Ready for Winter
San Diego winters don't present the quite the level of freezing temperatures other parts of the country experience, but seasonal conditions in Southern California do arise, so safe driving still requires a degree of preparation. Here are a few tips to get your car ready for San Diego winter.
1. Tire Check
Priority number one in getting your car ready for winter is making sure your tires are ready. Rains in San Diego loosen oil and silt that settle on the road's surface throughout the summer, resulting in slippery conditions. Hence, as the winter rain season approaches, it's important to check your tires for wear. If the tread on your tires is uneven or shallow, you'll definitely want to go for new tires for better traction. You may also consider upgrading to wider car wheels to increase the surface area — fatter tires hug the road better. Consult with Car Audio City's staff to see what options are available, and as always, a check your tire pressure monthly.
2. Battery Check
Colder weather — even the relatively mild lows we experience during San Diego winters — can be hard on car batteries, and your car's electrical recharging system. Check your battery to make sure there's not any corrosion around its cables and connectors, and have a professional inspect your system to make sure your car battery and charging system are ready for winter.
3. Replace windshield wipers and wiper fluid
Since winter conditions in San Diego mean rain, it's especially important to make sure your windshield wipers are ready when foul weather starts. Take a look at the wipers themselves to make sure there are no cracks in the rubber, and replace as needed. It's also a good idea to top off your windshield washer fluid with a a fluid containing antifreeze solution to help in frosty situations. It may be wise to consider a rain repellent treatment on your windshield.
4. Adjust your antifreeze
During the summer months, the ratio of antifreeze to water in your car's cooling system will typically run about 50/50. As temperatures shift in the winter months — even in San Diego — increasing the level of antifreeze to 60 percent will better protect your engine during those chilly desert nights.
5. Lights check
Winter means longer nights, and many days will be dim enough to require headlights. Be sure to inspect both interior and exterior lights to make sure all bulbs are fully operational: turn signals, brake lights, fog lights, and headlights. Car Audio City specializes in headlight restoration, and offers headlights discounts each month.
6. Get an oil change
Routine oil changes are important year round, but especially important when getting your car ready for winter. Keep an eye on your motor oil levels, and when you get your winter oil change, consider switching to an oil grade better suited to winter conditions. Consult a professional to determine which grade of oil is best suited to your car during the winter. For more information contact us today.