How To Protect Your Car From Winter Roads

Winter is in full swing, and as the roads continue to get treated with salt and other de-icing products, your car or truck could be taking some serious damage without you even noticing. Everything from damage to the roads like cracks and potholes to the chemicals they use to treat the roads could pose a serious threat to your vehicle. If you are going to be doing any amount of driving this winter, make sure that you take protective measures to ensure that your vehicle is prepared to handle all the new hazards on the road. If you need help getting your car or truck fully prepared for winter weather and road conditions, come into one of your local Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers today. Our team of expert and certified service technicians will help you get your vehicle ready to handle everything winter can throw at you in one quick trip. Here are a few simple tips to help you get your vehicle ready to handle the winter roads.

Wash Your Car

It may be cold, but washing your car at least once a month throughout winter is extremely important. Whenever there is ice or snow on the ground, your city will utilize one of a number of different thawing treatments on the road and as you drive, your wheels will kick up those chemicals. Those chemicals will then get on your paint and your undercarriage and can actively eat away at the protective coatings on your vehicle. Over time, this will cause your paint to look splotchy and can cause your undercarriage to rust prematurely. Taking your vehicle to a car wash regularly will help your vehicle look great while also protecting you from future damages.

Change Your Tires

As the winter weather gets worse, your tires will struggle to retain their grip on the road. If you are expecting to get a heavy amount of snow, make sure that you have transitioned to full snow tires, as these tires will deal with the cold weather and slick surfaces much better. For areas with less snowfall and temperatures that aren’t conducive to ice, all-weather tires will suffice. Either way, make sure that your tires have sufficient tread levels left on your tires.

Check Your Fluids

With the road conditions being as hazardous as they are, having enough wiper fluid, anti-freeze, and coolant to keep your vehicle riding smooth and comfortably. You can easily get all of your fluids checked in one quick trip to one of your local Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers.

Drive Cautiously

When winter weather hits, you should always try to drive more cautiously than normal. In heavy snowfall, we recommend driving 15-20 miles per hour under the speed limit, or even more under more severe conditions. If the weather gets really bad, try to avoid driving altogether if possible. Simply by lowering your speed and driving slightly more cautiously you can help avoid accidents and black ice. If you are interested in learning more about how you can keep your car or truck safe through the winter weather, come into one of your local Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers today.