Preparing your car for the winter months is an absolute must. The inclement weather that comes with the season can be rough, so use these tips to properly prepare your car.

Winter Car Maintenance You Can Do Yourself

Although it may not seem like it, the winter months are just around the corner. The upcoming weather and freezing temperatures may not seem like a big deal, but they can take a toll on your car. To ensure your car stays at its best and gets you to your destination safely, use these maintenance tips to keep it working well.

Wash Your Car

A car wash may seem like a waste of time during the winter because rain, snow, and debris are expected most of the time. However, a wash is essential at the start of winter so that you can prepare your car for a new layer of wax. Wash your car thoroughly, dry it completely, and then give it a new layer of wax before the inclement weather starts. Although wax may seem minimal, it works like a protective coat between your car's paint and the elements. Rain, snow, road salts, and even the sun can all damage your car's paint so don't skip the wax.

Check on Your Tires

After waxing your car, checking on your car's tires will be easier since they should already be clean. Since the roads can be slicker because of the weather, it's very important that your tires are properly inflated and still in good shape. As you examine your tires, start by checking the depth of the tread and then take a look at the sidewalls of each tire. There should be no signs of damage, no cracks, and no bulges. If any of this is present on a tire, it's definitely time to get that tire replaced. This type of damage can lead to a flat or a blowout, so don't risk it. Also, remember to check your tire pressure regularly so that it doesn't swoop too low. If you don't know how to change a flat tire, now is the time to learn.

Fill up on Fluids

Fluids are what keep your car going, so be sure your car has the right amount of each as you drive into winter. Start by popping your hood and checking on your antifreeze, motor oil, and windshield wiper fluid. If any of these is running low, top it off with the right fluid. Of course, you also want to make sure that each fluid is still in good condition. If not, this is the time to drain and replace old fluids that won't make it through the winter. If your car needs an oil change, now is the time to give it a synthetic oil change in Chambersburg, PA. Using an oil like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil can keep your engine well protected all winter long, no matter how cold it gets. Contact the friendly oil experts at Cerberus Systems, Inc. at (717) 658-1256 to learn more or to place an order. To find more products like this, check out their online shop.

Get Your HVAC System Serviced

During the winter, temperatures can reach extreme lows, so knowing the heater in your car works is a must. Not only will this keep you comfortable, but it can also keep you safe. Your cooling system will also be needed, so check that it works as well. Not only is this important for your body temperature and alertness, but it will also be needed when your windshield gets foggy. To ensure you can see out of your windshield without delay, get your car's HVAC system serviced before the season starts.

Clean out Your Car

Finally, take the time to clean out your car before the winter arrives. A lighter load will make it easier to maneuver on the slippery roads, so get rid of any excess items you're carrying around. Roof racks and other add-ons can make your car heavy and less aerodynamic, so remove these if they're no longer needed. After cleaning your car, there will be some items that can come in handy during the winter, so be sure to pack these in your trunk. Extra fluids, jumper cables, an emergency kit, and a tool kit will all be helpful, so be sure to keep them in your trunk all winter.

Get a Synthetic Oil Change in Chambersburg, PA This Winter

Prepare your engine for a cold winter with a synthetic oil change in Chambersburg. To find a great synthetic oil for your car, get help from the friendly oil pros at Cerberus Systems, Inc. Call them at (717) 658-1256 to learn more or to place your order.