TIPS TO GET YOUR CAR READY FOR WINTER

When getting your car ready for New York winters, several things need to be done to keep it running and ready to go! If working on it yourself, check first at junk parts stores to look on junk cars. If you don’t find the auto parts you need there, you can then look at New York auto parts stores or auto repair shops.

Some tips to get your car ready are:

1. Check your belts and hoses. Winter weather creates havoc on belts and hoses, so you need to check them for leaks and/or tears. Junk cars that have been in accidents may have junk parts, which include belts and hoses that are in good shape.

2. Have your battery checked. You don’t want to be stranded somewhere in New York if your battery goes dead. A certified auto repair shop can test your battery to make sure it holds its charge in cold weather.

3. Make sure your antifreeze mixture is correct. Purchase an antifreeze tester at any New York auto parts store, then check it yourself to make sure it’s a 50-50 mix of water and antifreeze. This will ensure it won’t freeze in really cold temperatures.

4. Check your windshield wiper blades. If you’ve had the same windshield wiper blades for one year or more, go to your auto parts store and purchase new ones. When the snow starts to fall, you want your wipers to make a clean swipe so you can see clearly.

5. Check your tire pressure. Your tires lose more air pressure in colder weather, so tire pressure needs to be checked more often. You can purchase a tire gauge at your New York auto parts store so you can inflate your tires to the correct air pressure.