Winters in Columbus, OH, can take a toll on everyone's car. The salt from the roads can kick up and do irreversible damage to the car frame, and water-based fluids can freeze if they haven't been monitored. Not only that, but the cold, in general, can heavily strain the car's components. At Luke's Auto Service, we've performed many different kinds of repairs in the winter that could've been prevented by "winterizing". Here are some of the items that you should take care of this season:
TIRES
When's the last time you checked your tread? If your answer is unsure (or never), there's probably no tread left, meaning you need new tires. Without tread, your tires will not be able to grip the road properly, let alone grip wet or snow-covered roads. Also, the temperature can affect your tire pressure. The colder it gets, the lower your tire pressure becomes, even if you don't leak anywhere. Therefore, it's essential to check on your tire pressure and top them off when needed.
BATTERY
Frigid temperatures decrease cranking power and thicken motor oil, making the motor work harder to turn over. Most technicians will recommend having your battery tested before those lower temperatures hit, so you can save yourself from dealing with an unexpected breakdown. At Luke's Auto Service, we can help you determine whether you need a battery replacement.
ENGINE COOLANT
Coolant (also known as antifreeze) is a fluid that flows through the engine and other components to keep the temperatures inside your vehicle in the ideal range. Coolant is a combination of water and ethylene glycol. Fresh coolant typically won't freeze inside the engine during the winter. Over time though, this mixture can become diluted, dirty, or corroded. If ineffective coolant is left in the system through the winter, it can cause engine overheating and catastrophic damages.
If you need help winterizing your vehicle, look no further than the Luke's Auto Service team in Columbus, OH. Give us a call or visit for all your automotive needs!