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How to Winterize Your Car (and Save Money on Auto Repair)

December 20, 2022

How to Winterize Your Car (and Save Money on Auto Repair) | ABS Unlimited in Fairfax, VA. Image of a tire and a pump beside it. The pump is used for inflating tires the flat tire of the car in winter.

Winters in Fairfax, VA are like boxes of chocolate—you never know what you’re gonna get. One day in December may have pleasant 60-degree weather. The next day can take a deep plunge into the 20s or below. Because of the wide variance of temperatures, it’s best for drivers in Fairfax, VA to be ready for whatever nature throws at them. 

At ABS Unlimited Auto Repair, we often educate our customers on how to save money on auto repair in Fairfax, VA, especially during the winter. Let’s look closely at a few simple ways to winterize your car and save money on auto repair.  

Change Your Oil & Consider a Thinner Oil

No matter the time of the year, it’s always critical to have oil changes according to the manufacturer’s suggested intervals. 

When temperatures drop, however, it’s even more important to have clean, good oil to help your engine stay lubricated. Motor oil can thicken in colder temperatures, which can cause it to be less effective. 

Because of this, the mechanics at ABS Unlimited Auto Repair may suggest you opt for an oil with a slightly thinner viscosity during winter months.

Get the 3 Must-Have Winterization Services

One of the smartest steps to protecting your vehicle and wallet is to have certain services performed before the harsh winter weather sets in. 

Some of the most common preventative maintenance services we provide include:

  • Cooling System Service: It’s best to have a ratio between 50/50 and 70/30 of antifreeze to water. Doing so can help ensure your vehicle can perform in the winter weather while helping to resist corrosion.
  • Battery Inspection: When temperatures fall in Fairfax, VA, your battery will require more power to start your vehicle. If your battery is already having problems, the winter weather could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Thus, schedule a battery inspection to ensure it’s up to the task.
  • Brake Inspection: The importance of fully-functioning brakes increases as snow and ice form in Fairfax, VA. It’s best to schedule a winter brake inspection to ensure your brakes are ready for winter weather.

Keep a Close Eye on Your Tire Pressure

In addition to your battery, winter weather can negatively impact your tires. According to most estimates, you can expect a decrease of around one PSIs of tire pressure with every 10-degree drop in temperature. 

Although this may not seem significant, underinflated tires can cause several problems like:

  • Blowouts
  • Reduced handling
  • Premature wear
  • Tread separation

Simply put, make sure your tires are always inflated properly. If you need air, add it promptly to restore the pressure to the manufacturer’s suggested range.

Make Sure Your Tires Are Ready for Icy, Slippery Roads

While Fairfax is hardly the arctic tundra, we have our share of icy and snow-covered roads. If your tires are in poor shape, you may be unable to stop your vehicle. 

To help prevent this, ensure your tires have sufficient tire tread. One simple test you can perform is to stick a penny into the tread of each tire. If you can spot all of Abraham Lincoln’s head, you should visit ABS Unlimited Auto Repair in Fairfax, VA for a more thorough tire inspection and new tires.

Make Sure Your Washer Fluid Is Full

Winter temperatures in Fairfax, VA can quickly turn from frigid to freezing. When this occurs, almost every part of your vehicle is impacted. 

One often overlooked component is the windshield wiper fluid. When temperatures drop below freezing, your windshield wiper fluid may be rendered useless. Instead, consider adding windshield washer fluid designed to resist freezing.

Need Car Winterization Services? Contact ABS Unlimited Auto Repair in Fairfax, VA

Whether searching for the best “mechanic near me” or the best “auto repair near me,” ABS Unlimited Auto Repair is your go-to shop. Since we opened our doors in 1987, we have offered drivers throughout Fairfax, VA fast, affordable, and best-in-class auto repair and maintenance services.

Contact ABS Unlimited Auto Repair today by completing our online contact form, giving us a call at (703) 352-7770, or stopping by to see us at 3215 Old Pickett Road, Fairfax, VA 22031.