Avoiding Three Common Winter Car Woes

Although it’s important to stay on top of regularly scheduled auto maintenance and service throughout the year, it is especially important during the harsh winter. Because subfreezing temperatures can force your car’s engine to work even harder, it’s crucial that you stop by your local auto repair and service center to make sure that your vehicle is in good shape for winter.

Murray’s Auto Clinic can ensure that your vehicle is safe for winter commuting, but there are some other common problems that you can and should prepare yourself for. Some common winter car troubles include: 

• Frozen Gas Lines
  When condensation builds up in your vehicle’s gas lines, it can lead to the formation of ice. To avoid this, keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. Not only does this ensure that you will not run out of gas but it also helps to prevent moisture and ice from forming inside of the gas lines. Also, try to add one bottle of fuel de-icer to your tank at least once a month to prevent your fuel line from freezing.
    
• Poor Visibility
  When snow and ice settle at the base of the windshield, the wiper blades can be frozen in place or otherwise damaged, making it virtually impossible to see where you are going during a snowstorm. To ensure that you have good visibility all winter long, purchase a set of winter wiper blades and be sure to use no-freeze windshield washer fluid.
    
• Premature Oxidation
  Snow, ice, slush, mud, and road salts wreak havoc on your vehicle’s exterior surfaces. While it may seem like a never-ending battle, it is well worth your time and effort to keep your vehicle as clean as possible. Dirt, ice, and road salt can build up and eat away at your vehicle’s paint job, and may also cause rust to form on the undercarriage. Both of these problems can dramatically reduce the value of your car. 

The best way to prepare your vehicle for harsh winter weather is to stop by one of the two Murray’s Auto Clinic locations in Silver Spring today. We offer all factory-recommended maintenance services at competitive prices. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us online or call 301-585-7557.