Believe it or not, Winter weather isn’t far off. While the changing of seasons is routine, many don’t consider routine car repairs, maintenance, or complete vehicle upgrades until the snow is already settled. Now is a great time to do a once-over on your current vehicle to see what maintenance it may need to get you through another Winter. Or, if push comes to shove, to realize you may need to trade in the old clunker to safely make it to your snowy destinations.
Regular maintenance will keep your car in tip-top safety shape. To help, we have identified a list to help. Hopefully, you don’t need to replace all of these items at one time, but checking these ten items is a great place to start:
- Low or no tread on the tires? Before the snowy season, it’s best to upgrade your tires. This is one of the top reasons accidents happen on slick roads because there’s no tread to stop you in your tracks. This can be quite the expense if paid all at once, so it’s best to save a little here and there to save up for this purchase.
- Make time for that oil change, and while you’re at it, you might as well check your air filters as well.
- Check other fluids such as windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant, etc. so you know your vehicle is running with no stale, old, or bad fluids which could cause a ton of problems.
- Make sure all your lights are working properly. Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals can help prevent accidents that could cost you money.
- Change out your wipers. Make sure your windshield is properly cleaned with whatever product helps you see through moisture, along with changing your wiper blades for maximum clarity through your windshield during inclement weather.
- Check or change your brakes and rotors. Some people wear out their brakes and brake pads more than others, so it’s always a good idea to have them checked over to see if you need to put new ones on.
- Test your vehicle’s battery to see if it’s still in good shape with an adequate charge available, otherwise, it’s time for a replacement.
- Check the exterior of your vehicle for rust or any other damage. Treat what you can, the best you can, or even get it replaced so no further damage occurs, especially with the added salt exposure that comes with Winter.
- Don’t forget the spare – it’s always a good idea to make sure your spare tire is properly inflated and usable before cold weather season.
- Ready a Winter emergency car kit. Include things like a warm blanket, flashlight, first aid kit, small toolbox or tire change kit, jumper cables, ice scraper, cell phone charger, notepad, and pen, etc.
If all of this is a bit too costly or your vehicle is beyond repair, it may be time to seriously consider trading your vehicle for something safe and budget-friendly.
No matter what your auto maintenance or upgrades look like prior to Winter, CSE is here to help make it affordable. From our low-rate auto loans to personal loans for those bigger purchases or vehicle repairs, to our low-rate Visa credit card which makes repairs your vehicle maintenance quick and simple. Learn more about each of these great options we offer below.
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