Why You Should Winterize Your Car, Truck, or SUV

Winter is coming, and with it comes the time you should winterize your car in Santa Fe, New Mexico. With our winterized car checklist, you can get many of the tips you need to stay safe. Lucky for you, the expert team at Capitol Ford of Santa Fe can provide all the advice, service, and parts you need to protect your vehicle this winter. Follow our simple tips to ensure you can fully enjoy the ride. We cover the top winter-ready tips with our thorough checklist. We also look at ways to better maintain your vehicle during winter weather.

Winter Readiness Checklist

Double-Check Your Tires

The tires are undoubtedly one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Without the right amount of tire pressure, you can be in danger on the road. For this reason, it’s important to check all of the tire’s pressure and also check the tire tread. If you notice any trouble with your tires, have them looked at by a professional.

Change Windshield Wipers and Fluids

To ensure you can clear the windshield, you want to put on a fresh pair of wiper blades. While checking your wiper, check the fluid levels and ensure everything is topped off. If you are constantly filling up a particular system, there could be a leak. In this situation, it’s best to have a professional take a look.

Take Care of Your Car

Before winter weather hits, take the time to provide a deep clean to the body and interior. By keeping the car clean, you ensure that the paint continues to look new and keep the inclement weather from causing damage.

Have Your Car’s Battery Checked

When temperatures drop, you don’t want to deal with a dead car battery. Instead, have the battery checked to ensure it’s ready to get you through until temperatures warm up once again.

Tips for Driving Safe During Winter Months

Reduce your average driving speed If the roads become icy, you should slow down to ensure safety. It’s easy to lose control, especially if you hit a slick patch. If you aren’t driving fast, there’s more time to react, allowing for added control.

Pack a Winter Emergency Car Kit

Don’t head out on the road without a winter emergency car kit. While it’s important to winterize the car, you must also consider the things you need in an emergency. Even a car in its best condition can be stranded with no warning. For this reason, you should pack up road flares, a battery charger, a phone charger, and an emergency blanket. You also want non-perishable food and bottled water to ensure your basic needs are met while you are waiting for help.

Know How to Handle Black Ice

If you run into a patch of black ice, you will want to avoid overreacting. It’s important to stay calm, so you can properly manage the vehicle. Above all, don’t take strong or sudden actions. Letting the vehicle make its way over the ice normally is better. Stay off the brakes and keep the steering wheel facing straight. Any sudden movement can be disastrous.

Be Aware of the Traffic Around You

Even if you know how to handle the winter weather travel, not everyone around you does. You may be driving around people with zero knowledge of how to drive during this time, and plenty of people haven’t taken care of their vehicles. For this reason, you must remain alert at all times. Be aware of what’s happening around you, just in case you need to make a quick movement to avoid danger.

Schedule Winter Service for Your Vehicle

It’s time to winterize your vehicle with Capitol Ford Lincoln in Santa Fe, New Mexico. While you can take on plenty of tasks yourself, the expert team at Capitol Ford of Santa Fe is ready to help you with the rest. Together, we make a team that works for the common goal of keeping you safe this winter. Check out our service specials today and schedule your appointment with the service team at Capitol Ford.
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Trade-in Your Old Ride

If you aren’t sure you are in the right vehicle for the winter weather, consider all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive options. At Capitol Ford Lincoln, you can trade in your old ride to get something more geared toward this time of year keeping you and your family safe in case of unexpected winter weather.
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Need a New Ride for Winter Conditions?

Let us show you our vast selection of new and pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly, economical car or need something larger to fit the entire family, we have you covered. Schedule a test drive in Santa Fe today.
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