Although winter in Northeast Georgia isn’t as bad as in some places around the country, it can still take a toll on our cars. For that reason there are a few extra things you should be doing to care for your Nissan during the winter months. Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or you bring your Nissan in to our service department for maintenance, it’s important to prepare your vehicle for the elements.
Here at Nissan of Athens we want all of our friends and neighbors around the greater-Athens area to be safe and protected this winter. That’s why we came up with this list of car care and maintenance tips to share with you. And as always, if you have any questions about caring for your Nissan car, truck or SUV, give our expert service department a call – we’re always here to help.
Tires. Your car’s tires make the difference between keeping a firm grip on the road, and sliding into danger. Make sure you have the proper amount of tread to keep your car going where you want it to. Also, check your tire pressure regularly. Cold temperatures can cause tires to lose air pressure. Finally, depending on how much driving you do in snow and icy conditions, consider having special winter tires put on your vehicle.- Battery. Your car’s battery gets more of a workout in the winter than during the summer months. That’s because the power available in the battery decreases as it gets colder. Also, a cold engine is harder to start than a warm engine. Have your battery checked to make sure it has enough juice to get you safely through the winter.
- Fluids. It’s a good idea to change your car’s fluids for winter driving. The antifreeze that got you through summer might not be as effective in winter. Also, check that your windshield washer reservoir is filled so that you can quickly clean any grime off of your windshield. If it’s time for an oil change, ask our technicians whether they recommend a winter-weight oil for your vehicle.
- Wipers. Your windshield wipers are more important than ever during the winter. Getting a new set of wipers will ensure you always have a clear view of what’s ahead. Caring for your wipers means scraping ice before you run them. Also, be sure you turn off your wipers when you get out of your car. Wipers can freeze to the windshield and can burn out the motor without you even knowing.
- Exterior. Your car’s paint takes a beating during the winter also. When the weather clears, run your car through a car wash to get rid of the road grime and salt that may have accumulated. It may also be a good idea to apply a fresh coat of wax at least once during the winter to help protect your paint.
- Lights. It’s always important to make sure your vehicle’s lights are working properly, but never more so than during the winter. Check the proper operation of brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights and headlights. Also remember to clean the lenses of your lights – especially headlights – to improve their visibility.
Winter driving can be more challenging, which is why it’s important to properly maintain and care for your car. Here at Nissan of Athens, we’re here to help keep you and your vehicle safe this winter. Call or click to make an appointment with our expert service department. We’ll make sure your car is ready for whatever winter brings to Northeast Georgia.
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