How to Prepare Your Jeep for the New York Winter

Having a car lose its heat in the dead of winter is many New York drivers' worst fear as it leaves you in a bone-chilling vehicle even when the engine is running. It is also a matter of safety as well. When your heating system isn't working correctly, the defrosters designed to remove frost from your windshield aren't able to do their job properly. When the defrosters aren't functioning properly, it can severely impair your visibility due to ice and frost being present on the windshield. A technician here at East Hills Jeep will be happy to assist you in making sure your heating system is in peak condition.

While this may seem like an obvious step, it should be noted that it's essential to check your tires before heading into the winter months. Your tires help maintain traction on the road even in slippery conditions like snow. If your Jeep is equipped with four-wheel drive, that's excellent for driving in snow. However, the four-wheel-drive system performs best when the tires can maintain traction. And to get good traction, the tires need to have good tread depth. Additionally, the cold air can reduce your tire pressure, so be sure to check your tire pressure once or twice each month. If your tires are unevenly worn, our technicians will rotate them to help extend their life. If you're interested in a new set of tires or would like to get snow tires, one of our expert service personnel will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect tires for your vehicle.

It is also a good practice to inspect the condition of your wiper blades before the snow flies to ensure optimal visibility in a snow storm. If your wipers need replacing, a technician will help ensure you get the right fit for your exact model. It's also crucial to make sure you have plenty of washer fluid. Winter washer fluid comes with a melting agent mixed in, allowing it to help melt the ice and clear your windshield without creating more ice.

The colder the weather gets, the more battery power it takes to start your car. Your car's ability to start in the cold depends on the battery's Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). Every car battery comes with a specific CCA rating, usually between 350 and 600 CCA, depending on the engine's cubic-inch displacement. The technicians here at East Hills Jeep can test your Jeep's battery output and inform you of its condition and if it should be replaced. This will help ensure you have a battery that starts your car every time, even in the frigid New York winter.

Getting routine oil changes is essential to your car's health all year round. The oil circulating through your engine lubricates the moving parts to keep it running smoothly by reducing friction. Unfortunately, old oil becomes contaminated with dirt, debris, and small metal shavings, thickening the oil. Cold temperatures will also cause the oil to thicken naturally. This will not allow proper flow of the oil through your engine, which, if left untreated, can lead to more friction, overheating, and engine damage. By simply changing the oil and oil filter, your engine will always have fresh oil to lubricate the engine, keeping it healthy.

If you live in New York, you know that winter is harsh on your Jeep. But you can make it easier by bringing it to the service center here at East Hills Jeep. Here, you can be sure that your beloved Jeep is in the skillful hands of technicians with years of specialized training and experience. They have the tools, skills, and knowledge to address any issue your Jeep may have promptly. So schedule your next service appointment by phone or right here on our website today!