As unlucky drivers across the country already know, colder weather isn’t merely just around the corner–it’s already here. That makes right now the perfect time to prepare your vehicle for the unique challenges of winter driving, and Mopar, as the Chrysler Group’s accessories and customer-care division, is the perfect resource for expert tips on doing just that. Hit the jump to see Mopar’s Top 10 tips.
1. Brakes: Cold weather is slippery weather, so be sure to check brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, calipers, wheel cylinders, and even the parking brake to ensure optimum stopping capabilities.
2. Tires: All tires—including the spare—should receive a thorough inspection that includes both the tread and sidewalls. It’s especially important to be on the lookout for uneven or excessive wear, since they can be indicators of other potential problems. And always keep tires properly inflated; it reduces both premature wear and fuel costs.
3. Battery: Most people don’t realize this, but summer heat is one of the primary causes of winter battery failures. Test your battery now, before the cold really sets in, and pay close attention to corroded terminals and bulges or cracks in the battery case.
4. Wiper blades: You need every advantage you can get in snowy conditions, and that includes fresh wiper blades. And conveniently, Mopar now offers innovative “Beam Blades” that were specifically designed for superior all-weather performance and resistance to snow and ice clogs.
5. Shocks and Struts: The winter season means pothole season, and that means servicing your vehicle’s shocks and struts to maintain a smooth ride in all driving conditions.
6. Engine oil: Using clean oil with the right viscosity is always vital to keeping your engine running smoothly, and that’s more important than ever when faced with the stresses of freezing temperatures.
7. Fluid levels: Check and change all vehicle fluids and lubricants, including antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid, per factory recommendations.
8. Engine belts and hoses: Again, check factory recommendations then check the parts, replacing them with quality-tested components from Mopar.
9. Air filter: Help your engine breathe more easily—and save fuel—with a new filter that delivers a clean and unrestricted flow of air.
10. Headlamps and taillamps: Shorter days require longer periods of driving with the lights on, so inspect and test all your vehicle’s lamps to make sure they work properly and are properly aligned.
“Now is the time to prepare your vehicle for the upcoming winter-driving season,” said Jim Sassorossi, Mopar’s head of sales and product development. “Preventative maintenance helps vehicles perform at optimum levels in a variety of conditions.
“With original-equipment Mopar parts, our factory-trained technicians provide full service to Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT and Fiat vehicles,” Sassorossi added. “And with the addition of proven, quality-tested parts from Magneti Marelli, we also service all domestic and most import vehicles as well.”
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