Like most of us, cars don't particularly enjoy being forced to work on the coldest of winter days. To keep your car working smoothly this winter, use these tips to prepare it for the cold.

How to Prepare Your Car for a Cold Winter

Now that temperatures are reaching their lowest lows, preparing your car for winter is a must. Winter maintenance will not only help your car run well this season, it can also help your car stay in better shape for longer. To get started on winterizing your vehicle, use these simple tips.

Replace an Old Car Battery

If your vehicle's battery is quite old, chances are it won't make it through a cold winter. The low temperatures can put extra strain on your already strained battery. To avoid getting stranded on the road, get your battery tested the next time you head to the mechanic. Ask them to perform a voltage test that will let you know how much power is still left in your battery. Generally, car batteries should be replaced every three to five years for the best performance. If you're not sure how old yours is, a voltage test can help you make the right call this winter.

Fill up on Coolant

Since temperatures will be quite cold, filling up on coolant may seem like a strange suggestion. Coolant, also known as antifreeze, not only helps your engine perform well and at the right temperature, it can also prevent damage caused by freezing water during the winter. Using the right mix of water and antifreeze in your radiator will help prevent liquids from freezing in your radiator. If these liquids are allowed to freeze, they can cause cracks and other damage around the cooling system. To prevent this, consult your owner's manual to ensure you're using the right antifreeze blend.

Get a Synthetic Oil Change

Your engine isn't safe from trouble caused by cold winter temperatures. To ensure your engine is well protected, be sure to give it a synthetic oil change this winter. Synthetic oil is known to outperform conventional oil no matter how cold or hot outdoor temperatures get. During the winter, conventional oil can become thick and sluggish, causing it to move slowly through your engine. This can cause parts of your engine to remain exposed and unprotected, especially during cold starts. Fortunately, you have other options. Synthetic oils will hold on to their consistency and viscosity no matter how cold your town gets. This means your engine will be properly coated and protected even on cold starts! Don't wait too long to prepare your vehicle for the season. To get started, give your car a synthetic oil change in Austin. Contact AMSOIL Dealer- Carol Bell at (512) 658-0357 for the personalized service you need. To browse their full range of AMSOIL Oil products, be sure to stop by their online shop.

Fill up Your Fuel Tank

If you typically maintain a full fuel tank, this should be no hassle. There are a number of reasons why maintaining a full tank of fuel is ideal. To start, if you get stranded on the road for whatever reason, having plenty of fuel will mean you can keep your heater going while you wait for help to arrive. If you're heading on a road trip, having enough fuel for the trip will help ensure you don't get stranded on a back road because you didn't have enough fuel to make it to the next gas station. Finally, a full tank makes it harder for condensation to develop in your tank. Condensation may not seem like a big deal, but it can lead to rust formation which can then work its way into your fuel system. Prevent this from happening by filling up whenever possible.

Wash Your Car Often

Winter roads can be snowy, wet, and full of debris. Unfortunately for your car, a lot of this debris can end up on your vehicle. While it may not seem like a big deal, many of these substances can be corrosive. If your car has been snowed on or if a pile of leaves has developed on it overnight, take some time to remove these substances from your vehicle. If you're driving through snowy roads with road salt, washing your car often will be important. While road salt is great for getting rid of snow, it can be very corrosive. As you wash your car, pay extra attention to your undercarriage this season. While you're at it, give your car a new coat of wax for added protection.

Synthetic Oil Change in Austin, TX

Are you looking for the perfect synthetic oil for your vehicle? Contact the synthetic oil experts at AMSOIL Dealer- Carol Bell for the best tips and suggestions. Give them a call at (512) 658-0357 to speak to one of their pros. They can recommend products like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil. To learn more, give them a call or stop by their online shop.