The oil in your car's engine can change depending on temperatures outside. Oil tends to thicken as it gets colder, and if it’s too thick it won’t do the best job of keeping your engine lubricated. Because outside temperatures can effect the internal temperature of your engine, you need to use proper oil for weather conditions. If you live where temperatures get below freezing in the winter months, you will want to switch to thinner oil. If you run a 10W-30 in the summer, for example, try moving to a 5W-30 when changing your oil in the fall or winter. 

The coolant in your vehicle is used for more than just keeping your engine from overheating. It is also used to protect your engine against corrosion. Before it gets too cold outside, be sure your coolant has ethylene glycol to help protect your engine. Every car takes a certain coolant to water ratio. For most vehicles, a winter ratio is 60% coolant to 40% water. Adjusting to this ration is an important step in winterizing your vehicle.

This is an ideal time of year to make sure your battery’s posts and connections are corrosion-free and that your battery has all the water it needs.

Your vehicle's battery capacity is reduced by cold weather. Thoroughly inspecting these parts will help you make sure your car is winter ready:

• Check battery cables for breaks or cracks
• Terminals should fit tightly with no loose connections
• Check your battery fluid by uncovering the refill hole. If level is below the bottom of the cap, refill with distilled water.

Turn off your engine to check the charge level in your battery. While inspecting your battery, look for the manufacture date. This will help you know when your battery will begin to lose charge and need replacing.

Do you live in a hilly place that gets its fair share of snow? Then you might want to improve traction even more by investing in winter tires and using them over the next few months instead of your usual all-season tires.

Mounting the right tires on your vehicle can give you an advantage when dealing with difficult road conditions. Most manufactureres recommend all four of your tires be changed for the winter. The difference between snow and summer tires can cause problems while driving if you don't. For extreme conditions, you can buy tires with studs on them to maximize tire traction and safety. 

If you have any questions about getting your vehicle ready for the winter months, contact  Benny Boyd Marble Falls to speak to a specialist. We look forward to serving you!