How To Prepare Your Truck For Cold Weather
Even on big, rugged vehicles, winter conditions can cause damage or extreme wear and tear to your vehicle. That’s why it’s important to prepare your pickup truck for the upcoming cold and icy weather. Winterizing your truck will also make you and your passengers safer. Winter brings its own challenges and risks for drivers with snow and ice accumulation making roads hazardous and accidents much more common. To learn more about how to winterize your pickup, visit Smith Ford now!
Replace Your Old Wiper Blades
A great first place to start preparing for the winter is with a wiper blade replacement. With old wiper blades, you’ll notice streaks left on your windshield, which will be particularly dangerous in the winter when trying to see through snow and ice. Besides leaving streaks, old wipers may have cracks or cuts, as well as peeling rubber. When you see any of these signs, it is time for new wiper blades, even ones made especially for winter weather.
Change Your Pickup’s Oil and Filter
Staying on top of changing your oil is always important, but getting your oil changed is especially important in the winter to make sure the mechanical parts of your vehicle are getting the best lubrication possible. Synthetic oil for winter driving is generally preferred because it does a better job of keeping your engine clean, free from deposits and sludge that can negatively impact your vehicle’s performance and efficiency. Despite what you may have heard, switching to synthetic oil does not harm your engine.
Change the Air Filter
Along with the other pre-winter maintenance you’ll be doing, it is a good idea to change out your air filter. Knowing whether it needs a change is fairly simple: you’ll see the darkening of the white air filter as a result of it catching dust, dirt, and debris. Discoloration can be normal over time, but if it is really dark or tattered, you’ll need to replace it.
Check Your Vehicle’s Battery
Your vehicle’s battery is not often the most pressing thing but having a healthy battery that has been recently checked is one of the best things you can do to prepare for the winter. In frigid temperatures, battery power can lose strength as the temperature decreases. This may leave your vehicle unable to start and you stranded in cold conditions. If you haven’t had your vehicle’s battery checked in a while, now is the time to find Smiths Near Me to schedule your winter maintenance!
Check Your Truck’s Serpentine Belt
The serpentine belt is essential, even on the best winter vehicles. Serpentine belts tend to have a longer lifespan, but it is essential that they are in good working condition. To know if your belt needs replacing, check to see if there are many cracks or frays on the belt or if you hear a squeaking/squealing noise under the hood.
If your belt snaps, which is more likely in the winter, you’ll be completely unable to drive your vehicle. Replacing a serpentine belt is pretty tricky to do yourself, so it is recommended that you take your vehicle into service to have this done unless you know exactly what you’re doing.
Visit Smith Ford in Lowell!
Learn more about the Ford lineup 2022 at Smith Ford of Lowell. If you’re searching online for “Smith Hours Near Me,” we’ve got you covered. Our Ford Dealership hours means we’re open from 9 AM to 7 PM Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 6 PM on Friday, and 9 AM through 4 PM on Saturday (closed on Sundays). At Smith Ford, we’re your Ford dealership IN. Visit us to learn more about wintering your pickup truck or schedule winter service today!
