Protect Your Car From Winter Weather With These 4 Tips

Every season has its own hardships for cars, but winter has to be the hardest. Between the cold, the icy roads, the thick snow layers, and the way road salt can rust steel, cars have a lot to deal with when the winter months come around. Here at Competition INFINITI, we believe that it is super important to take special care of your vehicle during this time. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to protect your vehicle from the worst of it. 

        1.Keep Your Vehicle in Your Garage

Many people don’t have the option to park their car in a garage, but if you do have a garage you should make sure you’re using it for your car and not just for storage. Keeping your vehicle indoors protects it from snow, hail, and freezing rain, plus it usually stays just warm enough to avoid having the windshield frost over. That means you won’t have to sit in your car as it warms up and melts the frost off. It also keeps your car from being hit by slush and mud from passing vehicles.

     2. Replace Your Old Battery

Cold weather makes batteries less efficient. By the time the temperature hits the freezing point, a battery loses a big part of its power. That means it has less energy available to start the engine, and if your battery is already old and weak it might go dead. Cold temperatures are why most batteries die during winter, and that can be a big problem if you aren’t at home or in a crowded parking lot. Fortunately, you can test a battery’s strength at home or at Competition INFINITI and replace it if it’s worn out enough. You can schedule your service appointment online or stop by Competition INFINIT Express Service Center with no appointment needed for battery assistance.

       3. Keep an Eye on Your Tires

Tires are always losing a little air pressure over time, plus the changing outside temperature can have its own impact on air pressure. Because of these factors, it’s important to fill your tires before winter and avoid the uneven wear you get when they’re under-inflated. However, you might also want to swap in a set of winter tires. Winter tires have extra treads and different rubber, so they’re better at gripping when the road is wet or slippery. Just remember to inflate them to the right pressure when you put them on. Check out our online tire center to see our large inventory of winter tires for your INFINITI this winter season.

    4. Keep the Wipers in Good Shape

Your windshield wipers are important in winter, partly because of needing to move snow off your windshield and partly because cars can kick up muddy slush onto your windshield while driving in front of you. However, wiper blades don’t stay in good shape for very long, and after a few months, they can start to stiffen and crack. If a wiper is missing a big part of your windshield, that means it’s getting stiff. Keeping the snow off your window is important, so go ahead and replace the wiper blades if they aren’t up to the task.

There are other things you can do to protect your vehicle once winter ends, like washing it to get off the road salt and sand once the temperature goes above the freezing point. Still, these four tips can each save you a lot of trouble when winter comes along.

Stop by Competition INFINITI of Smithtown and explore our inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles! Test-drive vehicles like the 2021 INFINITI QX80 or the 2021 INFINITI QX50. Be sure to also check out our New INFINITI lease specials and service & parts specials! Schedule a service online at our INFINITI Service Center or stop by our Express Service Center where no appointment is needed! Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to seeing you at our INFINITI dealership located at 587 Middle Country Road, Saint James, NY!