How to Get Your Car Ready for Winter Roads in PA

With the winters approaching fast, the mood for the holiday season has already set in! This is the perfect time for going on long drives and taking road trips - the chill in the air provides the ideal backdrop for spending time with loved ones. To make this happen, you have to ensure your car is in top condition and properly winterized. Before you start your journey on winter roads, it is necessary to take some time and prep the car:     

• When the mercury drops, you should use a bottle of fuel deicer in the tank on a monthly basis to prevent moisture from freezing in the fuel line. The gas tank has to be full so that moisture can't form. 
• Dirty filters like air, fuel, and PCV should be replaced right away because they affect the performance of the engine and use up more gasoline. The engine should be thoroughly inspected at a repair shop to check for stalling, diminished power, hard starts, rough idling etc. - it should be up and running smoothly. 
• Consult the manual provided with the vehicle at the time of purchase - check the schedule of oil and oil filter changes. Quite a lot of car owners make the mistake of neglecting these services, which lead to problems in the engine. Ensure that you stick to the schedule. 
• Check if the defroster and heater are in proper working condition so that there are no problems when it comes to passenger comfort and visibility of the driver. ·        Stock up on specialized rubber-clad blades that can be used to prevent the ice from building up on the car. Windshield washer solvent and an ice scraper is a must-have during winters. 
• Ideally you should let a professional check your car for a weak battery, but you can follow some routine steps to ensure that your battery is working. Scrape away corrosion from cables and posts, re-connect everything, check fuel level every month if the battery caps can be removed and clean every surface. Wear rubber gloves and eye protection gear to prevent contact with battery acid and toxic deposits. 
• The cooling system in the car needs to be flushed and refilled as stated in the manual. Check the level, concentration, and condition of the coolant regularly. You should maintain a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water. Ask a professional to test the tightness and condition of clamps, hoses, and drive belts. 
• The exhaust system shouldn't have any leaks - have it examined while the vehicle is on a lift. Check the trunk and floorboards for small holes. Now that you know how to get your car is ready for the winter, start working on it without delay!