Harsh winter conditions can have a severe impact on your vehicle. Winterize your Ford to ensure your EcoSport, Escape, or Edge is ready for the cold weather in Lanham, MD.
5 Rules for Protecting Your Car in Cold Weather in Lanham, MD
1. Winterize Your Ford
When winter hits, you want to ensure that your car is ready to handle even the worst icy conditions. The last thing you need in the cold is getting stuck on the side of the road.
Get a Preventative Maintenance Service
Take your vehicle to your Ford dealer for a preventative maintenance service. The Ford technicians will check the fluids and every system and component, including the engine, battery, and brakes, to ensure that your car is in tip-top running condition.
Change the Oil
Protect your car’s engine in winter by changing the oil. When the temperature drops, it causes all the fluids in your vehicle to run slower and your engine to work harder. When oil is old and dirty, it will put even more stress on the engine.
Check the Radiator
Radiator fluid that’s old and dirty could partially freeze on frosty winter nights. Ask your Ford technician to inspect your radiator, check the belts and hoses, and replace the fluid to protect your radiator against the winter cold.
Inspect the Battery
In the winter months, your car’s battery works harder. To ensure your battery can withstand freezing weather, check the condition of the battery. Ask your Ford technician to inspect the battery and perform a test to avoid getting stranded in the cold.
2. Mount Winter Tires
Mount a set of winter tires when the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit to give your car the necessary traction for braking, turning, and accelerating on roads covered in sleet and ice.
Regularly Check the Tire Pressure
Your car’s tire pressure decreases in cold temperatures. Check the pressure regularly and keep your tires inflated to the proper PSI for better handling and fuel efficiency.
3. Keep the Gas Tank Full
Keep your gas tank at least half full to reduce the risk of moisture buildup, frozen gas lines, and other fuel system issues. If your tank is full, you should also be able to avoid running out of gas in the freezing weather.
4. Protect the Bodywork
Wash and wax your car to protect the paint and the bodywork against corrosive salt. If you drive on roads with salt, wash your car every two weeks to eliminate the salt and prevent rust.
5. Cover Your Car
Where possible, keep your car in an enclosed garage. If you leave your vehicle outside, avoid parking under snow-covered trees or eaves and on slopes. Prevent ice buildup by lifting the wipers and using a windshield cover. It’s best to use a car cover if you leave your car outside at night to prevent it from getting covered in snow and salt and protect the electrical components.
Protect your Ford against the winter cold. Call DARCARS Ford of Lanham today to schedule a preventative maintenance service. The certified Ford technicians will help ensure your vehicle is ready to withstand Maryland’s icy weather conditions.
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