Car maintenance is very important if you want to keep your car in good shape for a long time. As winter approaches, now is a great time to start preparing to perform winter maintenance on your car.

Get Your Car Ready for the Cold

The cold winter weather isn't quite here yet, but that doesn't mean it's too early to prepare for it. In fact, preparing your car early can ensure it's ready for the changes in the weather just in time. To keep your car protected and running well, take care of these basic winter maintenance tasks.

Change Your Car's Battery

First up is checking on your car's battery. Batteries are known to fail during the winter because of the strain the cold puts on them. The summer heat often weakens batteries because the extreme heat takes quite a toll on them. After taking a beating in the summer, the cold temperatures in the winter can quickly cause your battery to die out. Most batteries will generally last up to five years, so if yours is nearing this mark, you should definitely get it tested. If it's near its end, get it replaced before it leaves you stranded.

Check on Your Tires

Because the roads tend to be slicker during the winter, it's important that your tires are able to keep you safe. Use a penny to check on your tire tread and if your tires are quite worn, replace these before rain and snow cover the roads. Don't forget to also check the sidewalls for issues like bulges and cracks which can lead to flats or even blowouts. Finally, check on your tire pressure often so that it's at the right level all season.

Top off Your Fluids

During the winter months, your car's fluids may need to be replaced or topped off in order to keep your car running well. Start by checking on your car's antifreeze. If this is running low, top it off with the same type already in your reservoir. Many people use water to top off this fluid in an emergency, which can dilute the fluid and cause it to freeze in extremely cold temperatures. Stick to antifreeze this season and carry extra in your car just in case. Another fluid to keep your eye on this season is your motor oil. Your car will be better off with a synthetic oil change in Hagerstown. Using an oil like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil can ensure your car's engine stays in great shape all season long. To find more great oils like this, contact the friendly oil experts at ALF Marketing. Give them a call at (301) 416-0575 to learn more or to place an order.

Ensure Visibility

During the winter, storms can make it much harder to see the road. Because of this, you'll need to make sure your windshield wipers are in great condition and that you have plenty of windshield wiper fluid in your car. On top of this, ensuring all of the lights in your car work is a must. Headlights, taillights, high beams, fog lights, brake lights, and the rest of them should all work perfectly so that you can see the road and so that other motorists can see you approaching in all conditions.

Protect Your Car's Exterior

Snow, rain, road salts, and mud can all be quite damaging to your car's exterior. Before all of this has a chance to negatively affect your car's paint and body, add a layer of protection to your car. Before the season starts, wash all the debris and buildup off of your car's body. Once your car is clean and dry, add a layer of wax to your car's exterior. Wax works as a protective layer between your paint job and all of the elements that can damage it.

Pack the Right Items

No one wants to get stranded on the road, but this can often turn into a reality in the winter. Being as prepared as possible for this will help make it easier to overcome. Some things you should definitely have in your car this winter include jumper cables, emergency road flares, a flashlight, a first aid kit, an extra phone charger, a blanket, and some snacks and water.

Give Your Car a Synthetic Oil Change in Hagerstown This Winter

Make sure your car is ready for the winter by giving it a synthetic oil change in Hagerstown. To find the best products for your next oil change, contact the friendly oil experts at ALF Marketing. Give them a call at (301) 416-0575 to place your order!