Although we live in the Sonoran Desert, and it doesn’t get nearly as cold as some other places, we still need to ensure our vehicles are ready for the colder temperatures. There are some basic maintenance things you can do to help prevent having issues on those cold mornings.
With the rapidly fluctuating temperatures that come with an Arizona winter, tire pressures can be affected greatly. For every 10 degrees of temperature change your vehicle’s tire pressures can change up to 1 psi. Over or under inflated tires are the number one cause of premature tire wear and can cause changes in your vehicle's fuel economy. Make sure your tire pressures are checked regularly.
Ensuring your engine’s cooling system has the proper 50/50 mix of coolant and water are crucial in preventing premature failure of the rubber hoses and plastic connectors in your cooling system. Water freezes at 32 degrees, whereas coolant is rated below 0 degrees. A cooling system filled with only water can cause your radiator and/or heater hoses to burst on those freezing cold mornings.
Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition and your windshield is free of any chips or cracks is also crucial in getting your vehicle ready for the colder temperatures. There are some tricks to getting that pesky ice off of your windshield in the morning. POURING HOT WATER ON THE ICE IS NOT ONE OF THEM!! Having a good set of quality wiper blades and keeping your windshield clean are the best preventative steps you can take. Picking up an inexpensive ice scraper at your local auto parts store is also a good investment.
Freezing temperatures is also very hard on your vehicle's battery. Stop in today for a free battery check to make sure you won’t be stranded out in the cold with a dead battery.