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how to independently maintain your car

One of the most difficult adjustments I had to make after my divorce was learning how to maintain and repair my own vehicle. That was one thing that my husband had always taken care of for me. Since the divorce, I have learned quite a bit about maintaining a car myself. I have picked up a few tidbits of information that has helped me avoid being overcharged for simple things that I can quickly do myself - like jump-starting my dead battery and changing a flat tire. If you need to learn how to independently maintain your vehicle for the first time, take a moment and visit my site.

3 Things To Have Checked On Your Car Before Winter

9 September 2015
 Categories: , Blog

The weather during the winter can be harsh, and it can leave the roads icy and wet. To stay safe this winter, you may want to consider getting a few things checked and repaired on your vehicle. Here are three important steps to take for a winter car tune-up.

Brakes         

The brakes on your car are extremely important for the winter months, which is why you should have an auto repair shop check them. They will make sure that your brake pads are thick enough to last for the winter, and they will make sure your brakes are working evenly.

Over times, brakes can begin wearing out unequally. As this happens, each side of the car may stop at different rates. While it may be hard to notice this difference as you drive, it can lead to problems on icy roads. Uneven braking causes a car to pull to one side or the other, and this can lead to problems when driving on snowy or icy roads.

Battery

The second thing to get checked is the battery. While car batteries can last up to seven years, it is better to replace them every few years. If the battery in your car is older than two years, it may not hold out during extreme cold weather. Getting a new battery installed in your car is a great way to avoid getting stranded on cold days.

An auto repair shop can test the battery with a tool that tells how many volts the battery is producing. This is a good way to find out whether or not to replace your battery. If the battery is still strong, the auto repair shop can clean the terminals on it. This is a good form of maintenance to keep the battery working.

Cooling System

The radiator in your vehicle is another important component in the winter and in the summer. During the summer it keeps the car from overheating, and during the winter it prevents the engine from freezing.

To make sure the engine in your car is protected, you can have the auto repair shop check your cooling system. They will make sure the radiator and cap are in good condition, and they can even replace the coolant in your system.

An auto repair shop can perform these three steps on your vehicle, but they can do many others too. You may want to ask them to complete an entire winter tune-up, which would include a variety of other services. By doing this, you will have a better chance of staying safe this winter. To learn more, contact an auto repair shop in your area.