When the winter season blows in frigid and cold, you probably stock your closet with cold-weather essentials, like coats, gloves, and boots. It’s this kind of preparation that makes it easier to get through those harsh winter months. Just as you prep yourself with layers of clothes, etc., your car also needs extra preparations to make it through the winter. Say you purchase the latest 2017 Buick Encore. With its quiet cabin, user-friendly technology and excellent crash-test scores, the Encore makes a pretty great compact SUV. Sure, it’s a brand-new car with mountains of things to offers, but in order to efficiently make it through the tough conditions of winter, it will need your help. Here are the top five ways to prep your 2017 Buick Encore for Winter.
Visit the Mechanic
Whether winter is about to arrive or is already in full gear, it is never too late to take steps to help your car make it through harsh conditions. A good way to do this is by taking it to a mechanic. While there, have them check the following: battery, antifreeze level, thermostat, heater, brakes and defroster. Bitter winter weather can negative affect all of these things, so it’s a good idea to ensure all of these parts are working as they should so you won’t face trouble while on the road.
Check Tires
Your car’s tires may not cross your mind too often, but when winter comes, they are a very serious component to on-road safety. Depending on where you live, winter roads can be wet, icy and snowy – all things that make driving very dangerous. Driving in winter conditions requires tires that are in good shape. They should be free of major wear and tear, and damage. They should also have good treads in order to provide adequate traction with the road. If your treads are worn, it is in your best interest to replace your tires. If you live in an area with snow, yo may even want to invest in snow tires, which have treads that are designed for better traction and are better able to handle extreme winter driving conditions.
Inspect Lights
Driving in winter can make it harder to see the road and other cars. Think about it, if it’s hard for you to see other cars, then it’s just as hard for them to see you. To ensure your car is as visible as possible in snow and other severe weather, make sure all of its lights are working as they should. This means checking headlights, taillights, brake lights, and especially your hazards.
Change Wipers and Fluid
Low winer temperatures mean frozen windshields. It may also mean frozen windshield wiper fluid. You may think wiper fluid is the least of your concerns, but think again. Visibility is key to successful, and safe, driving. In the unsafe conditions of winter where visibility is already compromised, a good pair of wiper blades and windshield wiper fluid can greatly increase your safety behind the wheel. One way to combat frozen windshield wiper fluid is by using non-freezing fluid. Specifically designed for spraying in freezing temperatures, this fluid won’t ever freeze up, leaving you with a constant supply of fluid – a major score for visibility.
Along with changing the wiper fluid to one that is winter-specific, you’ll also want to purchase winter wiper blades that are designed to cut through snow and ice. Another good thing to do is check the spray nozzles of your windshield-washer system, because they can sometimes become blocked. A needle or pin can be used to clear the blockage.
Clean the Exterior
To make winter roads less dangerous, they are typically salted or sanded. While this is great for safety, it can actually damage your car’s paint. To stop this from happening, you should rinse the exterior of your car (including the undercarriage). A rinse is good, but a full wash and coat of fresh wax is even better as it will help prevent corrosion and keep your car looking like new.
For more information on the 2017 Buick Encore, and for other automotive tips and tricks, drop by our dealership in Harrisburg, PA.
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