?Winter is harsh. And not just on our bodies, but also on our vehicles. Our service center gets asked many questions about winter car maintenance and what you should to do to help your vehicle survive the winter season. Here are a few answers to some of our most frequently asked winter maintenance questions.
- What Should I Do To Prepare My Car For The Winter?
Before winter arrives, there are many routine maintenance items that you should have performed. From making sure your oil is changed to checking your battery, the list is extensive and necessary. Here are some routine maintenance issues you should have done before winter rears its ugly head.
- Oil Change
- Tire Switches/Alignment
- Brake Inspection
- Windshield Replacement
- Battery Check
- Fluid Check/Fill
- Why Should I Get Winter Tires?
Winter tires are designed for, well, winter. They not only are made of a more flexible rubber, which helps them in the freezing temperatures, but they're also built with deeper treads, for thick snow, and studded tires, for better traction on ice. Think of it as your winter boots; you wouldn't want to wear flip flops in the snow and neither should your car have on summer tires.
- Why Won't My Car Start When It's Cold?
Like all batteries, your car's battery can drain over time, especially when the weather reaches below freezing. If you've been experiencing multiple hard starts or your vehicle has needed to be jumped by random strangers more than you'd like to admit, you'll want to schedule an appointment to have your battery checked or replaced.
- Why Do I Need A Winter Emergency Kit And What Should I Pack In It?
Driving in the winter can be dangerous and accidents do occur. Whether you've gone off the road in Beach Haven and landed in a ditch or you're stuck on the main road in Barnegat waiting for other accidents to be cleared on an icy night, it's best to always have a winter emergency kit on hand. Things that you should include?
- First aid kit
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Food and water
- Blankets/extra warm clothes
- Foldable shovel and ice scraper
- Salt, sand, or kitty litter
- Flares/other emergency warning items
- Jumper Cables
- Whatever else you think you'd want if you were stuck in your car for hours. (This could include dog food for your pets, toys or activities for the kids, and a book for you.)
- How Often Should I Wash The Salt Off Of My Car?
When the plow trucks place salt on the road it helps melt the ice and allows us to drive safely on our way, but, this salt is doing damage that we can't see. Salt build-up can cause corrosion, rust, and other damage to your vehicle and must be taken care of before that can happen. Most people consider washing your car a summertime job, but many recommend washing your car more often in the winter, about every two weeks. This will help to remove any salt from your vehicle, thus ensuring less salt build-up.
Visit Causeway Lincoln Of Manahawkin To Learn More
If you have other questions, whether they be about winter maintenance, regular maintenance, or purchasing a new Lincoln vehicle, feel free to stop by our Manahawkin, New Jersey, dealership at any time. We'd love to help our Manchester Township NJ, Hammonton, and beyond neighbors find the answers to their questions, schedule a service appointment, or get behind the wheel of their new lavish Lincoln car or SUV today!