Check Your Battery
Winter is said to impact your battery’s performance as much as 60 percent, especially if it’s at least six years old. So you’re not stranded with a car that won’t start, test and replace an old battery, as well as any plugs and wires.
Look at Your Tires
Cold weather decreases your tires’ pressure and potholes can throw off the suspension, leading to uneven wear. Now that the roads are starting to be repaired from winter damage, check your tires’ wear and have them inflated and balanced.
Check Your Belts and Hoses
Belts and hoses are also affected by the cold, cracking, blistering or becoming otherwise worn. Damage is especially apparent if these components are more than five years old. If you haven’t needed to replace them over that period, now is the time to do so.
Suspension and Alignment
Adding to one of the points above, potholes throw off your car’s suspension system and alignment, which could later lead to wear and leaks. Clear signs that indicate maintenance is an absolute necessity include your car having a tendency to pull more to one side when you drive or the steering wheel vibrating.
Replace the Windshield Wipers
Colder temperatures also cause windshield wipers to crack and experience wear. If you’re seeing streaks rather than clean glass while driving in the rain, have your set replaced.
Clean Out the Interior
Many drivers do not realize that items you stored in your car during winter add weight, which in turn decreases your car’s mileage per gallon. To conserve gas, take an inventory of everything that’s necessary to keep inside your car and what can be removed.
Wash the Exterior
While salt is a necessity to prepare the roads before a storm, it sticks to the bottom of your car and can corrode the metal underneath. To avoid your car experiencing premature damage or rust, schedule time in early spring to have all the salt washed off, especially from the undercarriage.
However, even careful drivers can end up in auto accidents. When you’ve been injured, you shouldn’t have to haggle with an insurance company to get the compensation you deserve. If you’re going through this situation alone, turn to Trantolo & Trantolo’s lawyers for assistance. To present a claim, contact any of our Connecticut locations today.
