Winter is here. If you're not prepared for the damage that winter can bring, you might be surprised by some unexpected problems. That's why it is important that you spend some time preparing your car for the onslaught of cold weather, especially if you're expecting ice and snow. In addition to the things you should do for your car in the winter, here are three things that you shouldn't do.
Don't Neglect Your Windshield Wipers
Your windshield wipers may look to be in good condition, but that doesn't mean they are. You might not have used them during the summer, but that just means that the hot weather could have caused them to rot. Unfortunately, you can't always see the rot just by looking at your windshield wipers. In fact, they could look perfectly fine on first glance. However, once the cold weather arrives, you could end up having them fall apart as soon as you try to use them.
If they fall apart while you're driving in a snow storm or during a heavy rain storm, you could end up with zero visibility. To prevent getting stuck in a dangerous situation, make sure you change your windshield wipers, whether you think they need it or not.
Don't Let Your Car Idle for Too Long
When it's freezing outside, the last thing you want to do is climb in a cold car and take off. To avoid that, you might be tempted to go out in the morning and let your car idle until it warms up. Letting your engine idle for a few minutes won't hurt your car. In fact, it's a good idea to let your engine warm up before you take off in the morning. However, if you let your engine idle for too long, it can damage your spark plugs, and make your car go through gasoline too quickly. For maximum protection, let your engine idle for only a couple minutes and then take off.
Don't Let Your Gas Tank Go to Empty
During the winter, you want to keep your gas tank full. Letting your tank run low on full will allow moisture to build up. That moisture can freeze when the temperatures dip, leaving your tank filled with crystallized ice, which can destroy your engine.
Don't take chances with your car this winter. Use the tips provided here to avoid serious troubles. For more tips on how to help your car outlast the winter, talk to a local auto repair service.