As the temperatures continue to drop, your vehicle will begin to feel the effects of colder seasons. Many drivers use the early fall to prepare their vehicles for the impacts of colder weather. Here is a closer look at how the cold weather affects your vehicle and how you can prepare for lower temperatures.
Tire Inflation and Cold Weather
You might notice your tire pressure becomes low around this time each year. As the temperature drops, the air inside of your tires can compress. This can impact your fuel economy and leave your tires vulnerable. How can you prepare? You can protect your tires from the cool weather by regularly checking your tires’ pressure and inflating them when needed (or get them checked inflated for free during your Chapel Hill Tire oil change). Read our full guide to tire pressure here.
Cold Weather and Dead Car Batteries
During colder seasons, many drivers experience dead batteries or battery issues. The cold weather interrupts the chemical reactions that your battery relies on. Newer batteries can handle the cold, but older batteries may begin to struggle. How can you prepare? If your battery is older, you can prepare for the cold weather by getting it checked, serviced, and replaced when needed. You can also help protect your battery by parking in your garage at night.
Shorter Days and Vehicle Light Services
The fall brings unique driving challenges. As we begin to see shorter days, you will need to rely more heavily on your vehicle lights. If they are dimming or you have a dead bulb, you could leave yourself vulnerable on the road. How can you prepare? It is essential that you regularly check your vehicle lights and get ineffective bulbs replaced. This can help keep you (and others) safe, prevent you from getting a ticket, and keep you passing your vehicle inspections. Windshield wiper replacements can also help promote your visibility on the road. Finally, you might consider headlight restoration services if your lenses have become foggy or oxidized. Read our full guide to vehicle lights here.
Oil Changes and Cold Weather
Oil changes are essential no matter the time of year. However, the cold weather can thicken your oil, making it harder to circulate throughout your engine. This can strain your engine and intensify the strain on your battery. As you may have guessed, these oil issues are worsened when your oil is old, contaminated, and due for a replacement. How can you prepare? To keep your engine protected, make sure you are up-to-date on your oil change routine.
Tire Services for Safe Driving
The later we get into the season, the more likely it is that we see overnight freezing, the occasional snow day, and ice on the roads. One of the most essential safety measures during inclement weather is healthy tires. Your tire tread works to grip the road, which is important year-round. However, inclement weather can worsen the impacts of worn tires. How can you prepare? Before the temperatures become severe, check your tire tread depth to ensure that it is still at safe levels. If the tread is worn down to the wear indicator bars (often at 2/32” of tread), you should get a tire replacement. You can also make sure you get any tire services—wheel alignment, rim repair, tire rotation, and balancing—to keep your tires protected.
Staying Safe with Brake Services
Much like your tires, your brakes are a key component to keep you safe—both year-round and during the colder months. Regular brake pad replacements keep your vehicle safely slowing down and stopping. During inclement weather, you need your brakes to be effective and responsive. How can you prepare? Before the weather becomes severe, you should check that your brakes are in good condition and get your brakes serviced if needed.
Maintenance Flushes for the Fall Season
Your vehicle relies on a wide variety of liquid solutions to keep it running safely and efficiently. The cold weather disproportionately impacts liquid solutions, as their components may be susceptible to freezing. How can you prepare? Make sure that you are up-to-date on all of your maintenance flushes. Here is a brief overview of maintenance flushes and the needed routine services based on vehicle mileage.
Chapel Hill Tire Local Car Care
Once you have passed these checks—you are all set and your car is ready to take on the fall weather and the adventures it brings. If you need a tune-up or are due for a service, the mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help you. Make an appointment at one of our 8 locations throughout the Triangle—including Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Raleigh, and Durham—to get started today!