When you get a new vehicle from Johnson Brothers Ford Lincoln, or you get your vehicle serviced here, you may feel a little complacent when it comes to Old Man Winter. No matter how much care you give your vehicle, you’re bound to have some issues when temperatures drop well below freezing.
Battery
Batteries hate the cold. If your battery has a low charge because it’s older, it’s time to change it out. While your vehicle may start fine when it’s warmer, it will have a hard time turning the starter when it’s cold. And, if your battery is barely charging, a good cold snap could kill it for good. Instead of taking a chance with an older battery, have our service technicians replace the battery if it’s near or past the warranty date.
Also, make sure the battery cables are tight. Check them with the vehicle off – you should not be able to twist them on the battery posts. If so, tighten the nut just enough to keep the battery terminal from twisting on the post. Also be sure the battery terminals are clean – there should be no green or white powder on the terminals. You can clean it off with baking soda and water – be careful, it is acid – but bring your vehicle by to have us check the battery.
Belts and Hoses
Without a belt turning the water pump and without a hose to carry the water through the cooling system, you’re going to be stuck with no heat in the vehicle. If you haven’t had your vehicle checked recently, bring it by so that we can make sure the belts and hoses are in good condition. A worn belt could snap in cold weather.
Check Your Vehicle’s Fluids
While all fluids are important, there are two you definitely don’t want to run out of – the mix in the windshield washer bottle and antifreeze in the radiator. You need the proper amount of antifreeze to keep the water in your engine and radiator from freezing. And, you don’t want the windshield cleaner to freeze, either. You may need to clean your windows of slush if it sprays onto your windshield.
As for your engine’s oil, it needs to have the proper viscosity for winter. Your service tech at Johnson Brothers Ford Lincoln will ensure that your vehicle has the proper engine oil when you bring it in for an oil change.
Stop by Johnson Brothers Ford Lincoln
Stop by Johnson Brothers Ford Lincoln to have your vehicle serviced for winter and to make sure everything is set for the cold including oil, tires, belts, hoses, antifreeze, wiper fluid and more.
