Despite the unseasonably warm weather, there's no denying it: Winter is coming. As temperatures drop and road conditions become more treacherous, it is especially important to perform preventative maintenance checks now so you aren't left out in the cold. One of the most crucial maintenance checks to focus on is your heating and cooling system.
While this might seem like an obvious preventative step, many drivers will focus on their heating system and fail to realize that the health of your air conditioning system matters even when the temperatures are below zero. In the colder months your AC is hard at work behind the scenes to help defrost and defog the windshield by pulling humidity from the air. Be sure to test your defogger to ensure everything is operating as it should, and if you notice defogging issues it might be time to recharge your system or check for a leak in the hose, lines or other components of the AC system.
While this might seem like an obvious preventative step, many drivers will focus on their heating system and fail to realize that the health of your air conditioning system matters even when the temperatures are below zero. In the colder months your AC is hard at work behind the scenes to help defrost and defog the windshield by pulling humidity from the air. Be sure to test your defogger to ensure everything is operating as it should, and if you notice defogging issues it might be time to recharge your system or check for a leak in the hose, lines or other components of the AC system.
In terms of your heating system, be prudent about doing a performance check of all functions before the coldest day of the year rolls around. For the sake of your car's health and the health of your wallet, drivers should routinely perform basic servicing such as periodic radiator coolant flushes and refills. At the very least, drivers should be proactive in checking the quality of the antifreeze in their vehicle. For example, if you live in the Northeast, you want the freeze-protection number to be at least -20 degrees Fahrenheit.