The Lowcountry doesn’t have a very long winter season. That’s one of the reasons so many people find their way here. The short, and often mild, winters are one of the true draws to this beautiful part of the country. But they can also be a serious problem for you and your car. So what do you do to prepare your car for the unpredictable winter weather in the Lowcountry? Here are our winter car tips for the Lowcountry and you.
Check Your Battery
Cold weather can make starting your car a challenge. Why? Because of the battery. The fact of the matter is that a weak battery can get through the summer where it will die completely in the winter. A simple way to deal with this is to have a voltage check performed on your battery. If it’s weak then it’s probably time for you to get a new battery. It seems like a pain, but trust us it’s worth the effort.
Think About Coolant
Your coolant is also known by another name. That name is antifreeze. It’s incredibly important in keeping your engine from freezing during winter weather. Here, in Charleston, that’s not always the most likely scenario, but we have seen significant winter weather events and the added chance of winter travel makes the level of your coolant extremely important in taking care of your car and traveling safely.
Pay Attention to Your Tire Pressure
One interesting fact about cold weather is that it has an incredible impact on tire pressure. You can actually lose 1 pound per square inch of pressure for every 10-degree drop in temperature. This loss of pressure can lead to increased wear on your tires including early tread separation. This can be handled by simply monitoring your tire pressure. Your car may have indicators to help with this, or you may have to handle it manually. Whatever the case, you need to keep track and keep your tire pressure good.
Plan Your Travel
The holiday season tends to lead us on a wide variety of trips. Those trips may lead you to warmer temperatures or colder ones, depending on where the family is. It’s important to plan your trips. Know where you’re going and what you need. Maybe you need snow tires, or a new battery, or just a simple emergency kit if you’re stranded in the snow. Whatever it is, take the time to plan and prepare for your winter trips.
We hope you’ve found these winter car tips for the Lowcountry useful.
We are Your Auto Repair Source
Fender Mender is the name for auto repair in the Charleston area. Whatever body repair you need, whether small body damage or a full collision repair, our team can help you get your car back to the way it was. If you’ve been in a recent accident, or have automotive damage you want fixed, contact us today. We’re ready to help you!