Winterizing your car in Southern California? Even though sunny San Diego doesn’t get much snow, ice or freezing temperatures the way other parts of the country do, preventative auto repair for your Audi, BMW or VW is still a good idea. Whether you are getting ready for an out-of-town road trip or just prepping your car for the daily work commute, making sure your car is ready for the lower temperatures is a savvy safe driving strategy.
Preventative Audi, Volkswagen or BMW Auto Repair Makes for Safe Driving
Annual winter vehicle inspections can help you stay on top of any necessary auto repairs, which can prevent unnecessary mechanical breakdowns. Regular vehicle inspections and auto repair can catch problems early before they become big. A well maintained vehicle is a safe vehicle.
Hit the Pedal for Brake Repair and Safe Stopping
Let’s look at the brake repair for your Audi, BMW or VW, one of the most critical automotive repairs when talking about safe driving. Properly functioning brakes enable your car to stop exactly when you need it to. Scheduled brake repair or replacement puts you in control of your vehicle and helps prevent collisions. With worn out brake pads and rotors, you lose precision stopping. This means your car will continue to skid after you’ve depressed the pedal.
Regular BMW, Audi or VW brake repair is even more important during the cold winter months. Hitting an ice patch with good brakes can be dangerous, and the risks only increase when driving on worn out brakes. If it has been more than a year since you’ve had your brakes looked at, visit your local auto repair shop for a fast brake inspection. Don’t risk a holiday road trip without this essential automotive repair.
How’s Your Vehicle Tire Tread?
Next to brakes, tire quality should rank high in importance when thinking about winter auto repair for your Audi, BMW or Volkswagen. If you are hitting the slopes for the weekend or planning a holiday trip, you need to a) make sure your tires are in top shape, and b) make sure you have snow tires as required by the state.
Underinflated tires or tires with worn out or uneven threads don’t grip the road as they should, which can cause the vehicle to slide. Ice on the roads only compounds the problem making for unsafe driving conditions. So do the penny check with your tire grooves and replace them if you need to without delay.
Can You Feel the Heat? If Not, It’s Time for Auto AC and Heater Repair
Living in warm San Diego means you probably don’t think much about your vehicle’s heater. If you are planning on driving to colder climates, you want to turn on and test this infrequently used car component. Not only is it a bummer to find out halfway through your road trip that you need auto AC and Heater repair, it can pose a danger to your driving as well.
Being able to defrost your windshield quickly for clear visibility is important when driving in cold weather conditions. If your heater is on the fritz and you need auto AC and heater repair for your BMW, Audi or Volkswagen, get it done before your trip so you can readily keep your windshield defogged.
Does Your Batter Need a Jump Start?
A dead car battery can certainly put a damper on holiday travel or ski plans. Car batteries have to work harder in cold temperatures and thus tend not to last as long. If you have an aging battery, get it tested before you venture out of town for a road trip.
San Diego auto repair shops can replace them and can also check your electrical system to make sure there are no other problems. Keeping your battery free from corrosion and debris can help extend its life but most batteries need to be replaced every five years or so. Packing jumper cables for a drive to the slopes isn’t a bad idea either.
Checking for Small Things Prevents Big Auto Repair
Steering clear of major auto repair in the winter season can often come down to taking care of the little things. Examine your wipers before you have to drive in snow or wet conditions to make sure they’re not warped or cracked.
Test your headlights and brake lights to make sure they’re working and scrub them clean for maximum visibility. Check and top your fluid levels including oil and coolant if necessary. Taking care of these small things can make for safe driving for and your family this winter.
