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Winter weather in Alabama might not be as severe as winter weather in, say, New England…but we still get our share of cold temperatures and the occasional ice or snow storm. Is your car ready for the rigors of winter?

Sub-freezing temperatures put stress on many of your car’s systems. Here’s a checklist of things to be mindful of:

Oil change: If you have ever considered switching to synthetic oil, now might be a good time. Conventional oil tends to thin out at high temperatures and thicken in cold weather. Synthetic oil is much more stable and won’t thicken in sub-freezing weather. That means it can circulate to the cam, cam bearings and valve components much more quickly at startup, reducing wear.

Cooling system: Your cooling system does more than keep the engine from overheating in the summer. It also protects against freeze ups in the winter. Coolant is a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water and will lose its effectiveness over time. A technician can use a hygrometer to check the condition of the antifreeze, then flush and refill the system if needed. Remember that your heater and defroster are part of the cooling system, and corrosion or scale in the radiator and heater core can compromise your heater.

Wipers: Even the best windshield wipers are only good for about a year before they start to wear out from the sun’s UV rays and normal wear. If your wipers are showing signs like chipping, drying out and cracking or losing strips of rubber, replace them. Remember to fill your windshield washer reservoir as well.

Tires: Make sure your tires have plenty of tread going into the winter months; it makes a big difference in wet weather as well as snow.

There’s a lot to be sure of when it comes to winter preparedness…battery, belts and hoses and much more. Be on the safe side and make an appointment with us at Don Duncan’s All American and Tire in Birmingham, AL. We want to make sure you get through this winter with as little stress as possible!