Car Smart Club

Are you stuck in the snow and wishing you had done some basic car maintenance before
winter? Don’t make the same mistake again! In this blog, we’ll outline simple car care tips
that could help prevent a major breakdown on your next winter drive. We’ll also discuss why
it’s important to not postpone routine maintenance during the cold months. Get all the
information you need to stay safe on icy roads this season – Read on!
Winter Tires
Winter tires are essential for safe winter driving. With temperatures dipping below freezing
and snow covering the roads, car maintenance shouldn’t be delayed during this season.
Winter tires can help improve traction and improve safety on icy pavement and minimize the
risk of getting into an accident.
They are designed to remain flexible in cold conditions and provide more grip than
all-season or summer tires. It is important to remember that when the temperature drops,
regular tires will become stiffer and won’t provide you with the same level of protection as
winter tires do. Winter tire treads also contain a special rubber compound designed to stay
soft in cold weather so they won’t lose traction on slippery roads.
Getting the Wipers Ready
One of the areas to focus on is your car’s windshield wipers. Ensuring they are in good
condition will help you drive through inclement weather without worrying about visibility
issues. For starters, check to see if your blades need replacing or if they just need cleaning
to get them back in working order. Wiper blades tend to tear or wear out over time due to
cold weather and harsh elements like road salt. Replacing them at least once a year can
help keep your visibility clear when driving during winter months.
Juicing the Battery
One aspect of car maintenance that often gets overlooked is battery care. Keeping your
battery juiced up during the winter can ensure that you stay on the road when temperatures
drop outside.
Your vehicle’s battery needs extra attention during colder weather because its lifespan is
shorter due to factors like reduced cranking power, longer nighttime hours, and increased
use of accessories such as lights and heaters. The best defense against dead batteries or
low voltage problems is regular testing and preventive maintenance including full charging
cycles whenever possible.
Prevention to Corrosion
Corrosion can have a huge effect on vehicle performance and longevity if it isn’t addressed
quickly and efficiently. Even though snow, ice, and salt are often associated with winter
weather, they can all lead to corrosion in your car—and that’s why car maintenance shouldn’t
be delayed during this time of year.
Corrosion occurs when metal parts start to break down due to contact with oxygen or
water—both of which are abundant during winter months! Thus, it’s essential that you check
your car regularly for signs of rusting or wear and tear.
Checking the Antifreeze
As temperatures drop, it’s important to check the antifreeze in your vehicle to prevent any
potential issues from arising at an inconvenient time. Antifreeze is a vital component of an
internal combustion engine since it prevents the engine from overheating or freezing when
temperatures are extreme. It also helps dissipate heat and lubricates engine components.
Without antifreeze, an engine would not function properly and could even suffer permanent
damage if allowed to freeze in cold weather conditions. The importance of regularly checking
the antifreeze level during winter cannot be stressed enough; it’s one of the most critical
tasks for keeping your vehicle running smoothly throughout the season.
Checking the Washer Fluid
One of the most important checks you can do is to make sure your washer fluid is topped up
and ready for use. Failing to check this can leave you unable to clear away dirt and grime
from your windscreen, potentially impeding visibility and putting yourself and other drivers at
risk.
It’s also worth knowing what type of fluid should be used for the job. Generally speaking, a
50/50 mix of water with an antifreeze-type solution works best in cold weather conditions as
it will help prevent the liquid from freezing in contact with ice or snow. Depending on where
you live, a different concentration may be required – so always check with your local auto
parts store before purchasing or topping up.
Waxing
A good wax job is one of the simplest and most effective methods for protecting your vehicle
from the elements during this season – it keeps dirt and grime from accumulating on your
car, which can easily scratch and damage its paint. Furthermore, waxing also helps to
preserve the original shine of your auto exterior.
For those who are unfamiliar with the process, waxing a car is relatively simple – all you
need are some microfiber towels, quality carnauba or synthetic waxes, and a few hours of
time. First off, make sure that your vehicle’s exterior is clean before starting: washing it
thoroughly will help to remove any dirt and debris that could interfere with the task at hand.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, car maintenance during winter is essential to ensure the longevity and overall
performance of your car. It is important to check your antifreeze levels, inspect wiper blades,
and replace oil if needed to avoid any potential damage from extremely cold temperatures.
By proactively taking these steps, you can help avoid costly repairs and keep your car
running efficiently for longer.

Life has changed as we know it since the COVID-19 pandemic,so it is safe to say that the way we purchase cars have also changed as the pandemic continues.

Some factors besides precautions to keep everyone safe, such as low used car inventory and cheap financing, have changed the way prospective car owners shop for the car they want.

Here are a few ways you can find the vehicle you want:

Be decisive,and act quickly:

If you find the year, make and model of the car you are looking for at a fair price, contact the dealership and make arrangements to safely view the car.

Cast your net, far and wide:

Browse car dealerships out of your local area. You may have to go the extra mile to an out of town dealership to test drive the car you want due to low used car inventories.

Don’t be rigid with your choices, be flexible

Consider similar cars across different automotive brands, so you have more cars to choose from. Be flexible when it comes to the color of the car, and upgrade options. This will put you in a position to negotiate since you are not getting exactly the car you want. Ask for a decrease in price, you won’t know the answer if you don’t ask.

Choose value over discounts.

Shop for cars that have value in luxury options and low milage. The price may not be the ideal price you’re looking for, but if it’s a good deal in terms of value, you should make the purchase, The used car inventory is low and it may not be there next week.

Do your homework, be patient

Compare prices, inventory and the choices of cars yo u want to purchase over a 5- 10 day period. If what you want isn’t there at a decent price, wait. The inventory should increase in late summer and fall as automotive production increases

6. Get a pre- purchase Inspection by a reputable auto repair shop. DON’T DO IT YOURSELF

This is the last tip, however I consider it the most important one, and I am writing from a recent experience I had.

I purchased a used truck without a Pre-Purchase Inspection, which I never do. However, there was another buyer at the dealership who wanted the same truck. I test drove the truck, looked it over and purchased the truck. A few months later when I got my brakes serviced, the mechanic told me I would have long term mechanical issues. I bought an aftermarket repair policy to assist me with upcoming repairs, and a year later, during the pandemic, the transmission failed.

A Pre-Purchase Inspection is very important and is an absolute necessity so car buyers can validate that they are making the right purchase

Car Maintenance that should not be postponed during Winter!

How to Buy a Car During the COVID-19 Pandemic