1) Make sure your oil has been changed recently.

The thickness of the motor oil in your car will change as the temperature decreases. If the oil in your car is too thick, the car won’t start on a cold winter morning. For this reason, there are multi-grade oils that are ready to work in both cold and hot temperatures. The engine oil is responsible for coating the moving parts of the engine and protecting them against rust. If it’s not changed regularly, you’re putting the health of your vehicle at risk.

2) Maintain your tires for better traction.

Keeping your car from sliding and slipping during the hazardous holiday weather can be a challenge. During cold weather, the air in your tires gets thinner. This leaves them somewhat flat. Some vehicles will remind you to add more air with a low tire pressure warning light.

The tread on your tires is also important. Cars with less than 1/8th of an inch of tread on the tires are not safe to drive. To keep your car in contact with the road, make sure your tires have enough tread and replace them immediately if they don’t!

3) Brakes are the most important safety feature.

Being able to quickly come to a full stop on icy, slick roads is extremely important when you’re driving during the winter season. If the brakes are squeaking or you have to press the brake pedal down harder, you should have the brakes inspected immediately by a local expert in Austin, Texas. Just because you can still brake fine on dry roads, doesn’t mean your brakes can perform in wet weather.

4) Cold weather weakens the car battery.

You might be out shopping for gifts or on your way to a relative’s house when you see a driver who is stranded due to a dead battery. Cold temperatures take a toll on your battery by decreasing its capacity to hold a charge. If your battery is already weak or is getting older, it’s especially susceptible to dropping temperatures. This also puts strain on the starting system, which relies on the battery. We proactively help our customers detect a weak car battery by performing a complimentary battery test with every oil change.

Holiday Maintenance in Austin, TX

At Christian Brothers Automotive Brodie Lane, our goal is to keep you safe on the road this winter. Lots of drivers are already distracted by cell phones or fatigued from traveling long distances. Making sure your car is ready to perform in inclement weather could save you from an accident. Call Christian Brothers Automotive Brodie Lane in Austin, Texas for a free courtesy inspection. Stay safe during your holiday travels, and see the nice difference!