Winter Car Tips | Nissan Dealer Hamilton Square

It’s that time of year again – time to pull out the coats, gloves, hats and boots and prepare for the cold winter ahead. As you bundle up the kids and collect more firewood, don’t forget that your car needs a little extra preparation for the cold as well. With precaution and proper care, you’ll keep your car running through the snow and ice of winter. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as the thermometer level drops – although it is recommended you do these things year round, it is especially important as winter sets in. We want to make sure your Warminster Nissan car is in the best condition it can be!

In colder weather, pay attention to what you put into your car. You may want to contemplate changing your oil and replacing it with a different viscosity (viscosity refers to how thick the oil is). Because oil gets thinner as temperatures rise, a very heavy oil might not be the best option in very cold weather. Also, keep in mind that your car’s radiator assists in keeping the engine stay at a proper temperature, regardless of external swings in temperature. The system must be properly filled with antifreeze in order to make sure the vehicle starts up on cold mornings; and older antifreeze can lead to corrosion and leaks, so flushing your radiator could save you from damage. Be sure to check your vehicles owner’s manual or call our Jenkintown Nissan dealership to determine which oil viscosity is recommended for Pennsylvania weather conditions, as well as how to best protect your radiator.

Just as during any other time of year, your best ally is good maintenance and preparation. So before the harsh cold really sets in, check under the hood to see if fluids, belts and hoses are free from cracking or imperfections. Make sure that your exterior lights are clean, and replace any burnt-out bulbs. Worn or dried-out wiper blades should be replaced and wiper fluid filled, to ensure the best visibility in all conditions. Check tire for worn treads and tire pressure, which can get dangerously low as the temperature drops and cause dangerous driving conditions.

Extreme temperatures can also wreak havoc on car batteries. Check the battery’s positive and negative terminals to ensure they are free from corrosion – and installing a new battery is never a bad idea before the long cold winter months set in. If you do have an older battery, make the extra effort to get it tested – it could save you from being stranded. But to prepare for the possibility, it is best to have your car fully stocked with emergency items such as a shovel, gloves, boots, an ice scraper and sand or kitty litter for traction, a flashlight, a blanket, jumper cables, windshield washer fluid and a basic tool kit could also come in handy should you ever find yourself stranded.

Peruzzi Nissan is happy to assist in checking your vehicle so as to ensure its performance through the winter months. Contact us online or give us a call for more information, and know that you can drive through any storm with confidence.

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