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Not being able to start your car on a freezing winter morning is frustrating. However, vehicles often have trouble starting when the weather gets too cold, which is why preventative maintenance is essential. Preparing your car is your best defense against harsh driving conditions. Here’s how to make sure you don’t spend too much time in the cold.  

Preventative Maintenance Tips for Starting Your Car in Cold Weather

1. Park It in a Warm Place

Cold weather can seize up your car battery or cause the fuel to gel, making it harder for your engine to start. Keeping your car in a warm place during the winter months is one way to prevent this problem. Park in a garage, preferably one that is heated. If this is not feasible, try parking the vehicle next to a large object, like a tree or a building. These will act as a barrier against the cold, keeping your car a few degrees warmer than if it was left out in the open.

2. Shut Off Your Car Accessories

When your car is not in use, even for a short period, shut off all the electrical accessories. This includes the headlights, heater, defroster, and the radio. Taking this simple step will reduce the drain on your battery and maximize the vehicle’s starting power when it’s time to hit the road again.

3. Know How to Jump-Start Your Car

preventative maintenanceAlways keep a set of jumper cables in the trunk. This is especially wise during the winter season, when vehicles are more prone to having starting issues. To get your battery going, you’ll need the help of another car. Start by parking both in neutral and turning off the engines. Next, attach one of the two red cable clips to the positive terminal of the dead battery and the other clip to the working battery. Attach one black clip to the negative terminal of the working battery and the other to an unpainted metal part of the other vehicle. Keep the hoods open, and run the engine of the working vehicle. If done correctly, your stalled car should be up and running in a few minutes.

 

When it comes to your winter preventative maintenance needs, you can count on Dee's Auto Care Specialists in La Crosse, WI. This shop has an ASE-certified crew to provide you with a wide range of auto repair services involving your tires, brakes, transmission, and engine. Call (608) 782-2530, or visit their website for more information.

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