Last year, we had a particularly cold winter, and this unanticipated weather led to extreme road conditions and several electricity outages, across the state of Texas. This year, Toyota of Plano has pledged to help our customers be better prepared for any unexpected winter weather.
We’ve put together a checklist that will ensure your vehicle runs smoothly this season.
Let’s start with your battery. Your car battery can’t function at full capacity in colder weather, and in extreme winter weather, a lead-acid battery is only at half its amp-hour capacity. This is why it’s so important to get your battery checked.
As we saw this past year, power outages are more likely to occur when we begin to turn up the heaters in our homes. In the event that your home loses power, your car may become your electricity-lifeline. Even if you’re lucky and don’t lose power, a flat battery can be a huge inconvenience (especially when it’s freezing outside). Make sure you take your battery health seriously, and ask for a battery check, during your next vehicle service.
Tire pressure is another important maintenance item to monitor as the temperature drops. In colder weather, your tire’s air pressure falls around 1psi every 10 degrees. Low tire pressure is very problematic, especially with icy conditions. A tire needs to grip the road properly, and tire pressure is a major factor in that process. Ensuring that your tire pressure is at the right level will significantly improve driving safety.
A lesser known fact about the cold is its impact on engine oil. In colder weather, your engine oil’s viscosity becomes thicker. Talk to one of our technicians to see if your vehicle should be using a thinner oil during the winter months.
In addition to checking the battery, tire pressure, and engine oil, our technicians also recommend that you check your antifreeze mixture. There is an ideal mixture balance that must be achieved to prevent freezing inside the radiator. In the event of a freeze, the entire coolant system could be compromised - the expansion of liquid, as it freezes, can cause cracks and breaks in hoses and other radiator attachments.
Does your vehicle have 4WD? If your vehicle has 4WD capabilities, you’ll have a greater advantage in extreme weather. This feature will help improve traction on the road, but without proper gear and transmission fluid levels, your vehicle will not run properly. Leaving these fluid levels unchecked can put you and your loved ones safety at risk.
Finally, your vehicle’s belts become less flexible as the temperature begins to lower. One of our service technicians can check your vehicle’s belts, and if they’re worn, we will be happy to replace them for you.
Visit Toyota of Plano to learn more maintenance tips to help prevent costly repairs, time consuming issues, inconveniences, and improve your overall safety through the winter season. We can help schedule your next vehicle service, and we’ll be happy to answer any other questions you have.
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