Plymouth Reliant Parts & Accessories

As the name implies, you can always count on your Plymouth Reliant to give you great engine output and reliable performance. And as a driver and car owner, you want your car to have the maximum performance all the time as well as to prolong its life. But first, you have to get your car ready for the upcoming winter season. If you find it hard to take care of your car during the summer, winter will be another battle. As the road becomes slippery and there are more salt and snow on the ground, you need to make sure that your car is up to the task of driving in these harsh conditions. Below are some maintenance tips to keep your car running smoothly during the cold weather:

• Always keep your gas tank full.

If you've been dodging the bullets of running down on fumes during the summer, you can't do that anymore during winter. You don't want to get stuck or stranded in the middle of the road and in the freezing cold. Thus, it is always recommended that you check your gas and fill up before driving during the winter, especially if you are going on long trips.

• Fill all the car's fluids.

You are not ready to drive in the winter until all the fluids in your car are topped up. Fill your antifreeze and have it flushed if you haven't done it yet. You can either get the green or orange antifreeze, but you should never mix the two. Another fluid that you need to check is your engine oil. You have to make sure that you are using the right oil for the weather conditions. If you live in an area that gets below freezing temperatures, you need to use less viscous oil. Thinner or less viscous oil is easy to circulate during the cold days so your engine will not suffer.

• Always check the battery.

You have to keep in mind that batteries don't give you much warning before they die; and you could get stranded because your car's battery decided to expire at the worst possible moment. Cold temperatures tend to reduce the vehicle's battery power by up to 50%, even more if your battery is older. It's better to have a professional mechanic check and test your battery. You should also make sure that the battery connections are clean and free from corrosion.

• Check the cooling system.

The antifreeze is a necessary chemical in your car's cooling system during the winter. It will keep your coolant from turning into ice during the cold temperature. And you know, you need your coolant to be liquid enough to circulate through the system properly. The coolant/antifreeze in your car should be a perfect 50/50 mix since it has a lower freezing point and is very effective in transferring heat away from the engine.

• Consider using snow tires.

The condition of your tires is crucial during the winter. Handling, braking, and acceleration can pose a challenge when driving on slippery roads if your tires are worn out. All-season tires are not very effective if they don't have the right tread depth. If your tires are worn, the vehicle's capabilities are reduced, and there is an increase in likelihood of a car crash. During the winter, it would be better to use winter tires because they are optimized for snow and ice. They provide more traction on slick surfaces than all-season tires.