Get your car cold weather ready at Eide Ford Mandan

As winter approaches and the days get colder and colder, it is important that your vehicle is ready to handle the change in weather. 

There are several things you can do to ensure that your vehicle is ready to take on the cold North Dakota winter. 

1. Check your battery - get your battery tested, and try to park your car in a garage to preserve the battery. Cold weather reduces the capacity and power output of your battery, making it harder to start.
2. Check your windshield wipers - if your wipers are not clean and durable, they will not clear your windshield. Look into freeze-resistant wiper fluid to help keep your windshield clean during the winter. 
3. Check your antifreeze - engine coolant is important to prevent your engine from freezing up. 
4. Pack an emergency kit - in case of emergency, keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with a flashlight, food, water, warm clothing, a blanket, hats and gloves, and a first aid kit. 
5. Wash your car - road salt that is used to melt ice and snow can accumulate on the underside and body panels of your vehicle, which can cause rust. Your car’s paint and exterior surfaces can also be scratched by snow, slush, dirt and salt. Try and wash your vehicle more often in the winter months to preserve the life and look of your vehicle. 
6. Check your tires - colder weather causes your tire pressure to go down. Try to keep your tire pressure between 30 and 35 PSI during winter temperatures. It is also recommended to have snow tires on your vehicle, because they offer improved traction, braking, handling, and overall safety during winter weather. 
7. Check your brakes - you should always be aware that your brakes are safe, but double check all different parts of your brake system to ensure they are ready to endure cold weather.
8. Keep your gas tank full - you never know if you will get stuck in traffic or a heavy snow storm, so try to keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. Plus, cold temperatures can cause your car’s fuel lines to freeze, and a full tank of gas can help prevent this. 
9. Jumper cables - if your battery does freeze up, make sure you have jumper cables to jump your vehicle in case of emergency.

Here at Eide Ford Mandan, our service department offers a free multi-point inspection, to make sure that your vehicle is prepared for the cold weather ahead. 

Schedule your service appointment to get your vehicle double checked for colder weather today! Use our online service scheduler, or give us a call today: 701-663-9564

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