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How To Prepare A Used Car For The Arrival Of WinterBy Christine Harrell Having your vehicle leave you stranded in the heat of summer is an inconvenience, but having an accident or breakdown with your used car can be life threatening. The freezing cold, snow, ice, and rush to get back into the warmth of indoors all seem to bring out the weakness in everything and everyone. Many people also find it hard to switch between summer and winter driving, and in some cases, it is just plan scary to maneuver your way down the perilous path. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones is to prepare your favorite transportation method for the upcoming cold season. Winter Tires Not enough can be said for the value of having winter tires installed on new or used cars. Yes, they are expensive, and yes, that means having four tires sitting in your garage, but the rubber is specially designed to stick to the road surface in cold temperature. Other tires harden and become extremely slippery on cold roads. If you do decide to stick with all-seasons or take your chances with summer tires, make sure they aren't wore down too far and that they are in good condition. Keep a close eye on the tire pressure that rises and falls with the temperature and the appearance of small leaks. As an added benefit, it will help to save gas. Take a Peek Under The Hood Many people will skip oil changes during the winter. Before the snow flies and the temperature drops, check the oil in used cars carefully. Top it off if it is low. If it has lost its golden brown color, make sure to have it changed. Many choose to change it regardless. Winter is always hard on batteries. Always have it tested by a trusted auto mechanic to be sure they will get you through the upcoming season. The test will tell you how well it is working and when you can expect to replace it. The cold temperatures will find every weak spot and cracked area in the belts and hoses guaranteed. Look for any cracking or weak areas. You will also want to just give the hose clamps a quick peak to make sure they are intact and in good condition. Antifreeze is one of the most common and frequently missed items on the checklist. There needs to be enough of it, but it has to have an even 50-50 mix with water. Fail to do this, and it will freeze and can wreak havoc with your used car. Odds And Ends Go through your first aid kit and emergency kit. A winter kit has items specifically for dealing with the low temperature such as a heat blanket, candle, food, water, flashlight, and jumper cables. The summer washer fluid in used cars isn't going to be of any use once the temperature falls below freezing. Make sure it has quality winter washer fluid. The wipers should also be in top condition to ensure you don't get those wide white streaks that are synonymous with salted roads. If you have a four-wheel drive, test it out to make sure the hubs engage and disengage properly. If they don't work properly, it can cause complications on icy roads. While you're at it, give the brakes a quick look over too. About the author Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on used cars in Colorado Springs used cars, visit http://www.SpringsAutomotiveGroup.com/. |
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