Costly Winter Car Maintenance Mistakes

There are several mistakes a car owner can make during the wintertime that can lead to costly car repairs come spring and summer. If you are budget-conscious, and wish to avoid costly auto repairs, then it is strongly recommended to not make these same winter car maintenance mistakes yourself! All you have to do is make a schedule and stick to it. Continue reading to learn how to take good care of your vehicle this winter and prevent expensive repairs down the line.

Winter Car Care

When it comes to taking care of your vehicle in the winter, not much is different from the usual spring and summer maintenance checklist. However, there are some critical areas that stand out as major overlooks in terms of poor winter car maintenance. These mistakes will lead you on a path of breakdowns, poor performance, and costly repair bills. So be sure to avoid doing the following this winter:

Neglect Factory Scheduled Maintenance

Although there are several things you can do on your own to care for your ride, there are some tasks that require the skill and equipment of a professional automotive technician. Failing to have your vehicle serviced by a licensed professional at least on time per year is the perfect recipe for disaster. It is one of the most common reasons why cars breakdown unexpectedly, and drivers face outrageous repair bills for something that started out as a small issues 9 months ago. A professional mechanic retains the proper diagnostic training and resources to find problems and fix them early on to promote optimal driving safety and performance. Check your owners’ manual for your vehicle’s recommended factory maintenance schedule.

Ignore Brake Problems

A little squeal here and there isn’t anything to worry about; right? Wrong. If this is what you have told yourself in the past, it’s time to learn the truth about car brake maintenance. Keep in mind that you are operating a 5 ton moving weapon, and without reliable and functional brakes, you have no control over it. Brakes are one of the most vital components of a vehicle in terms of safety; safety for yourself and for others. So if you neglect a problem with your brakes, it can turn into a costly, or worse, deadly error. As soon as you notice a change in your braking system, contact a licensed mechanic for an inspection.

Forget Antifreeze

They call it “anti-freeze” for a reason! Freezing temperatures can cause all the vital fluids in your vehicle to freeze, so using antifreeze in the radiator can prevent this from happening. In the wintertime, drivers often forget to add more antifreeze to the radiator, resulting in a car that won’t start. When it’s cold, your vehicle’s cooling system requires this important fluid in order to function properly.

Skip an Oil Change

It is important to keep your engine running smoothly at all times; but in the winter, your engine requires a bit more “TLC” than it would normally. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to get a wintertime oil change, to ensure your motor is performing optimally, and won’t surprise you with an unexpected breakdown 3 months from now.

Call Spitzer Automotive at 317-253-3331 for European auto repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are ASE certified automotive mechanics that provide a wide range of European auto services, with a special emphasis on British make and model vehicles. Call 317-253-3331 for professional Indianapolis auto repair for European and British cars, today.