INDEPENDENT DEALER

   Wichita, KS | (316) 686-1069

OUR BLOG

12/19/2018
While you won't need a coat for you car this season, it is important to keep in mind that the cold can negatively affect your car. To prevent road issues this winter, use this helpful information.

How ;the Cold Weather Affects Your Car

Although it's cold outside, winter can be a fun season full of cuddling up by the fireplace, bundling up before heading out into the snow, and having warm drinks on chilly nights. For your car, however, winter just means cold temperatures and hard time fighting off the cold. After cold nights spent outdoors, it's not uncommon for your car to have some troubles. To learn more about how the cold can affect your car and what to do about, check out this information.

Weakened Battery

Your car's battery will have a difficult time in extreme temperatures, including the subzero temperatures that are common during the winter. The cold temperatures can lead your battery to lose a significant amount of power while other parts, like your engine, will require more current ;than usual to perform their job. If your battery is close to its final days, the cold temperatures can help it get there faster. While this probably isn't what you want to hear, it's better to be prepared and know what to look out for. If your car is sluggish at starts or having trouble starting on freezing cold days, it may be time for a new battery. Don't wait until your battery is completely dead to replace it either. You never know when it'll reach its end, meaning you may get stranded on the road if you're not prepared.

Changes in Tire Pressure

Dropping temperatures are known to cause tire pressure to decrease right along with them. A decrease in pressure may not sound that important, but it can cause reduced traction on the road and issues with maneuverability. Because of this, it's important for you to check on your tire pressure regularly. How often should you do this? Once a week is good, but don't just check it. Be sure to fill up your tires when needed to prevent road issues. Another thing to keep in mind is that the cold can cause the rubber on your tires to get hard, reducing their grip. If temperature are expected to take a serious dip, consider changing your tires out for winter tires that will stay soft and maintain their traction.

Thicker Fluids

Cold temperatures can lead the fluids in your car to become thick and sluggish. Even though they won't freeze, this sluggishness can mean they won't be able to perform their jobs properly. You want your fluids to hold onto their properties so that they can keep your car well protected. If this isn't the case, your car can suffer premature wear this season. If needed, change out your current fluids for winter grade options that will ensure your car stays well protected. When it comes to motor oil, ;synthetic oil ;will be your best option since this type of oil will hold onto its properties no matter how hot or cold it is outside. Buying new fluids for your car may be a bit tricky if you don't have much experience with this. Luckily, ;Hartmans Inc. ;is here to help you find the perfect fluids to keep your car healthy this winter. From ;synthetic oil ;to coolant, ;Hartmans Inc. has you covered. Give them a call at ;(316) 686-1069 ;to get recommendations for products like ;AMSOIL's ;Signature Series 0W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil. You can also visit their online shop and browse all of AMSOIL's products.

Brittle Wiper Blades

Not only is it cold outside, there are also storms to deal with. This means you'll need your windshield wiper blades to work perfectly so that your visibility isn't compromised while driving through a storm. Unfortunately, these same wiper blades may be feeling the affects of the winter. As temperatures get colder and colder, the rubber in your wiper blades can become brittle and cracked leaving them unable to do their job. Look for winter wiper blades that will hold up better no matter how cold it gets outside. While you're at it, look for winter grade windshield wiper fluid to ensure this doesn't freeze in its reservoir.

Winter Is the Perfect Time for a ;Synthetic ;Oil ;Change in ;Wichita

If your car could use a ;synthetic oil ;change ;in Wichita, ;why not do it yourself using a high quality ;AMSOIL oil? ;Contact ;Hartmans Inc ;at ;(316) 686-1069 ;for help finding the right oil for your car. ;Don't forget that you can also browse their ;online store ;where you'll find a full range of AMSOIL Oil products.