The colder months are steadily approaching Northern Virginia.
As the leaves and outside temperatures begin to fall, make sure to set aside time to prepare your vehicle.
Just having an automotive professional look it over can make you aware of issues and provide you with peace of mind.
If your car will be due for an oil change or other maintenance soon, ask if a technician can check out the battery, tires, brakes, fluids and belts too.
It’s also a good idea to check out the windshield. Here are some ways you can confirm that it’s winter ready.
Windshield problems
When preparing your vehicle for wintertime, you will want to look for any windshield problems:
Cracks in the windshield: Are there any cracks obscuring your vision? Not only can they be a nuisance, windshield cracks could get bigger overtime. A car won’t pass the Virginia State Inspection if there is a crack that goes across the windshield or a star crack is larger than 1 and a half inches around. Try reaching out to your insurance company and see if they offer windshield coverage.
Low windshield washer fluid: Before heading into the holidays, make sure your vehicle has plenty of windshield washer fluid to wash away any salt or dirt that hits your windshield. If you notice that you’re topping off the fluid frequently, the reservoir might be leaking.
Sprayers not working: Sometimes, you have enough windshield washer fluid but the sprayers aren’t working. This problem can be caused by broken lines, clogged and broken nozzles, and a bad windshield washer pump.
Torn windshield wipers: During the winter, Northern Virginia may receive a fair amount of rain and the occasional snowfall. Windshield wiper blades should be inspected regularly for any tearing. Their lifespan depends on driving conditions and behaviors. If your windshield wipers aren’t clearing the windshield, have them replaced.
Malfunctioning defroster: For your vehicle to be winter ready, it’s important that the defroster is able to clear out the windshield and windows properly, especially if we see any ice. If the defroster doesn’t seem to be doing its job, there could be a problem with the a/c system.
Other ways to get your car winter ready
Sometimes, windshield components malfunction and need to be checked out or replaced. However, there are also a few day-to-day tips that can help you this winter.
On top of confirming that your car has enough washer fluid and all windshield components are functioning, make sure the fluid offers a good temperature protection level. If it doesn’t, it could freeze in the reservoir and the water pump.
Helpful tip: Using a product like RainX on your windshield can help improve your visibility while it’s raining and snowing. Usually, snow and ice will slide right off when vehicles that have this coating.
Cleaning the inside of the windshield once a month is another way you can continue to see well. This prevents it from fogging up.
If you do need to replace your windshield due to cracks, see if your vehicle requires an Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) reset.
Whatever the winter has in store, maintaining a clear windshield will help you navigate the roads safely.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.