Winter Car Care Tips for Your Lexus
Along with winter comes snow, ice, and temperatures that are sometimes well below normal. These kinds of weather conditions can be especially hard on your vehicle. Keeping your Lexus in top condition this season doesn’t have to be an insurmountable task, if you follow these simple tips:
Perform a Routine Tire Check
Tires are generally the part of your vehicle that will feel the effects of the winter weather first.
When it’s cold, pliable material gets brittle and stiff; fluids get thicker, air coagulates in the tires, and the pressure begins to drop.
It’s important to keep an eye on the condition of your tires, because when the roads get slippery, having the stability and controlled handling that your vehicle offers will benefit you in the long run.
Check the pressure and wear of your tires by placing a penny into a few of the tread grooves. If only the top of Lincoln’s head is covered, you may not have sufficient tread depth remaining and you probably should consider replacing your tires. If you live in an area where the winter weather is harsh, investing in a set of snows tires could be your best option.
Examine your tires in a few different places to ensure that they are wearing evenly. If after measuring the tread, your tires meet the minimum tread depth requirements, proper rotation and balance will help keep them in optimal condition. The Service Department at Lexus of Highland Park would be happy to check your tires, rotate them, or even replace them if absolutely necessary.
Check Your Fluids
Antifreeze
Your Lexus’ cooling system is another important area to keep an eye on when the temperatures begin to drop.
While your antifreeze still appears to be a deep, green color, the additives could be wearing out. When that happens, the radiator gets rusty and the coolant can freeze in the block, causing damage to your motor.
Replacing your antifreeze every other year and checking it with an antifreeze gauge are great ways to help your coolant withstand freezing temperatures during the winter months.
Oil
Switching the grade of your oil will helps your car start-up faster and run more smoothly. Typically, the lowest grade oil recommended for your car will provide all-weather protection, while saving fuel in the process.
Keep an Eye on Your Battery
Prevent dead battery mishaps by making sure you have a good source of electrical energy before you start out on the road. If your car’s battery is more than four years old, have a trained technician from Lexus of Highland Park check it out. If you find that you need to replace it, ask the technician for a battery with higher cold cranking amps for more sustained power.
Emergency Preparation
As a general rule-of-thumb, you should always keep extra supplies and provisions on hand in the event of an emergency. If you happen to need them, your car should be stocked with the following items:
- Jumper cables
- Ice scraper
- Flashlight
- Blanket
- Water
- First aid kit
- Non-perishable food items
- Cell phone charger
Having these items in a place where they are easily accessible can keep a winter wonderland from turning into a winter disaster. Storing these items in an easy-to-reach place will aid in keeping both you and your loved ones safe during the cold season.
At Lexus of Highland Park, our Service Department staff is passionate about taking take of vehicles and we are committed to keeping your Lexus in the best shape possible.
