Is Your Vehicle Ready for Phoenix Winter?

All around the country, winter is in full spring. Here in Phoenix though, winter is just beginning. Many of us overlook our vehicles this time of year because we always hear just how tough Phoenix summer can be on our cars but winter gets the cold shoulder. This can be extremely damaging to your vehicle! Here's why:

One of the many benefits of living in the Phoenix area is our ease of travel to various types of places. Whether it be the ocean sun 5 hours west or the mountainous winter wonderland 2 hours north, we are masters of quick road trips. If you are going to Flagstaff or the longer trip to the White Mountains, you are going to be very disappointed if your vehicle cannot handle the winter conditions! Along with that, the desert is known for it's large fluctuations in temperature even in one day. In the winter, we can very well experience a 70 degree F afternoon with a freezing 32 degree F or below night time. This fluctuation is extremely harmful to vehicles and the freezing temperatures can cause your engine block to freeze leaving your vehicle useless. Below are some great tips pulled from local auto shops on how to get ready for winter in Phoenix.

1. Antifreeze
   
   1. This is perhaps the most important fluid in your car during scorching heat or freezing cold. In the hotter months, antifreeze cools your engine, in the colder months antifreeze keeps your other engine fluids from freezing. It is quite the magical fluid! Ensure that your vehicles have enough antifreeze to get you through the winter. For more information on whether your vehicle will need new antifreeze, check with your local mechanic or look here.
2. Oil
   
   1. It is important to keep in mind that not only is it important to change your oil regularly, it is also important to use the right kind of oil for the right time of year. There are some oils that are manufactured to withstand all temperatures but if you want to really ensure you have the right oil, fill your car up with a cold-weather oil this winter.
3. Battery
   
   1. Many people forget about their batteries until they stop working but it is extremely important to have a plan for when your battery will run out. It is true that when temperatures are colder, more strain is put on the batter to squeeze out any bit of energy. If you are headed on a road trip through the winter desert or to the Arizona mountain ranges make sure you have an extra battery on hand so you will not be stranded and forced to wave down a stranger for help.
4. Brakes
   
   1. As you can imagine, your brakes are quite essential to being safe when driving. This becomes especially true in the winter conditions as rain, ice, and snow can force you to use your brakes more often and more harshly. Faulty brakes can cause you to slide into a rear-end or even slide off the road.

In the end, your best bet will be to take your car in to your local mechanic and have them check over your vehicle for anything that is not working properly. Along with that, there are other options to get your car checked over. Many mechanic schools will allow you to bring in your car to get worked on by students for a much cheaper rate or sometimes for free.