Fall is upon us and winter is right around the corner. Before it really starts to get cold, think about some winterization for your vehicle. We're not just talking about your heating system, though that's really important too. Here's a list of things to keep in mind this time of year.
• Your radiator doesn't just keep your engine cool. It regulates the engine temperature, regardless of how hot or cold it is outside. No doubt you're familiar with the words coolant and antifreeze. They're interchangeable, the fluid is known as both things because it does both things. It can lose potency after a while, and this is a great time of the year to go ahead and get it refreshed by having a BG Coolant Service performed on your vehicle.
• Extreme temperatures and batteries aren't the best of friends. Routinely check your battery for rust or corrosion on the terminals. Older batteries should be tested before it gets colder, and replaced if needed. The average car battery life is two to five years, but the extreme Texas summers can shorten that lifespan significantly and offer unpleasant surprises in the winter.
• The air in your tires expands and contracts throughout the day as temperatures fluctuate. Tires seem to lose air pressure when cold weather hits. Check your tire pressure while they're cool to make sure you're at the proper level of inflation. Warm or hot tires should be inflated to 4-6 psi above the recommended cold inflation pressure, but recheck them after they've cooled.
• With cooler weather typically comes wetter weather. A thunderstorm during your morning commute is a bad time to find out your windshield wipers aren't up to the task. The fall season is a great time to get these replaced as hot summers with little rain can cause wiper blades to dry out, crack, and fall apart.
Remember to make time to winterize your vehicle. Regular proper maintenance ensures you and your vehicle don't get left out in the cold. Schedule your fall check-up today!