Taking care of your vehicle in the winter can extend its life and save you money. Cold weather affects everything from your tires to your engine, so following key winter car care tips is essential.

We’ve listed 5 simple ways to care for your car this winter, and how a car title loan in Tennessee can provide emergency funds when winter brings financial surprises.

Top 5 Winter Car Care Tips

1. Properly Maintain Your Battery

Responsible car care during winter starts with your battery. The cold weather is particularly harsh on your battery’s cranking power, diminishing it swiftly as the temperature drops.

Give your battery a thorough examination. Check the level of fluid and add distilled water if it’s low. And be sure that the top of the battery’s window indicated that it is fully charged.

You may need to change your battery if it shows signs of wear or weakness, especially if it’s more than five years old. Be sure to replace it if needed with a top-of-the-line model. It will be worth it.

2. Clear Those Windows

Don’t be the person who doesn’t completely clear their windows from ice and snow during the winter. It not only puts you in danger but threatens the safety of everyone on the road. 

While it’s tempting to simply use your wiper blades to clear your windshield. It’s far better to use a good ice scraper to clear the snow and ice. And if you know bad winter weather is coming, put your windshield wipers in their raised position. 

During winter, you’re also more likely to use your windshield wipers and fluid to combat ice-melting salt, dirt, snow, or mud. Be sure to check that you fill the reservoir with a solution that has antifreeze in it. 

3. Check Your Oil

You should be regularly checking your oil anyway, but it’s a must-do part of car care during winter since cold weather can do quite the number on your engine. 

When it’s cold, motor oil can thicken, which makes it difficult for your engine to run effectively. Your car manual should pinpoint the best steps to take, but generally try an oil that’s both multi-viscosity and formulated for use in the winter (it usually is indicated with a “W”).

For example, some formulas that work well in cold weather and provide good oil flow in chilly temperatures include 5W-20 and 10W-30. 

4. And While You’re At It, Adjust the Oil Filter and Coolant 

Don’t forget, when you have your oil changed, it’s good to replace the oil filter, too.

Good car care during winter also includes your coolant. Make sure it’s an even mixture of water and antifreeze. This ratio keeps your coolant from freezing up when the temperatures are freezing. If it’s above freezing out but still cool, ratios like 70/30 and 60/40 are fine.

5. Get Your Tires In Good Shape

Worn-out tires don’t just make your engine work harder and make your car less fuel-efficient. They can be very dangerous on the road in snowy conditions.

If you live in an area that regularly gets harsh weather, car care during winter must include winter-grade tires with great tire traction. A set of all-season tires are usually OK if you live in a place that just gets occasional snow or ice.

The biggest step you can take if you encounter constant ice and snow is purchasing specific winter tires that you can mount on steel wheels, which sport rubber compounds and patterns of tread that are extra-grippy on ice and snow.

If you already have dedicated winter tires, always keep them inflated properly. Cold weather leads to tires losing air since their pressure goes down as the temperature does.

Facing a Winter Emergency? A Car Title Loan Can Help

While you're taking care of your car, it can also help take care of you. If you're hit with a winter emergency like a surprise medical bill, home repair, or heating cost, a car title loan may help.

What Is a Car Title Loan?

A vehicle title loan lets you borrow money by using your car title as collateral. At Tennessee Title Loans, Inc., you may qualify for up to $2,500, even with bad credit.

All you need is to be at least 18 years old, have a driver’s license or state-issued ID, your vehicle for a fast inspection, and the lien-free title to your car. The process is also fast. You can qualify through an in-person process that takes as little as 30 minutes.

Quick Loan Process:

1. Fill out this short form online.
2. A rep will call you to guide you through the next steps.
3. Get your money in as little as 30 minutes.
4. You keep driving your car while making payments

You can even meet at any Tennessee Title Loans, Inc. location you choose.

Take Care of Your Car AND Your Wallet

Treating your car right by applying our tips for car care during winter will give you years of service and a great performance from your loyal road buddy. It is also a great way to keep yourself safe, so make sure to put these tips into practice.

As you focused on car care during winter, you can also use its value to deal with any sudden emergencies that arise during this season by qualifying for a vehicle title loan. Simply submit the online form to get connected to our closest location today!

 

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.