It has been quite a wet winter in San Francisco, and plenty more storms are expected to come this winter and spring. With this much rain, driver safety is very important. Not only do you have to be more diligent while on the road, there are some simple tips and recommendations you can follow to make your car run as well as possible.
1. Windshield Maintenance
If you haven’t already, now is a good time to replace those windshield wipers or at least make sure they are doing what they should be. Clean your windshield (also side and back windows) for better visibility. Make sure your front and rear defrosters are working well, too.
2. Clean Your Car
There’s nothing worse than washing your car and then it raining right after. However, keeping your car clean and putting on a fresh coat of wax will help protect your paint during the harsh winter weather.
3. Take Care of Your Tires
Hydroplaning and skidding are real concerns if your tire tread is low. Make sure your tires are in good shape, rotated every 5,000-6,000 miles, and properly inflated. It is also a good time to get a wheel alignment check. Don’t forget about your spare tire either.
4. Mind Your Undercarriage
Wet roads spray up a lot of grease and grit that can affect engine, drivetrain, brake and wheel performance. Any leaks can also cause major damage. Clean under your car and have it inspected for winter wear.
5. Maintain Belts and Seals
Water damage can rot window, door and trunk seals, leading to leaks. You also want to make sure any engine/fan belts are tight and functioning well. Squeaks and squeals can be sight that belts are loose or water is causing them to slip.
6. Check Battery Life
Winter is a good time to test your battery and look for any corrosion that can be magnified by excess water getting in. If your lights are kind of dim or your car is taking longer to start on cold mornings, it’s definitely time to get that battery checked.
7. Don’t Forget an Emergency Roadside Kit
Keep your spare tire maintained along with the jack/tire iron. Consider keeping a tow cable, snow chains, jumper cables, extra phone charger (with battery pack) and a rain poncho just in case you are stranded.
When it comes to keeping your car running its best through the rainy winter and spring months, you can count on San Francisco Automotive Solutions. Bring your car in for all your automotive maintenance needs. Contact us today at (415) 957-1170.