November 14, 2022
Now That Winter Is Near, Is Your Car Ready?
Photo by Lisa Fotios under Pexels License
With the winter season on its way, it’s time to get your car ready to ensure a smooth and safe drive throughout the colder months. Doing so will not only help prevent breakdowns and accidents, but it can also save you precious money on gas and costly repairs.
If preparing your vehicle for dropping temperatures and icy roads isn’t something you’re confident in doing, Veteran Car Donations has created a checklist consisting of six fast and simple maintenance tips for the cooler weather. Follow the following tips so your car can make it through to spring without getting you in trouble:
- Check the fluids.
Checking the fluids of your car is crucial before the chilly season arrives. We’re talking about its transmission fluid, washer fluid, brake system fluid, suspension differential fluid, power steering fluid, and antifreeze. For fluids that need to be topped off, consult your owner’s manual first to be sure you use the right type.
Bear in mind that some manufacturers don’t recommend a transmission fluid change until the car has logged 100,000 miles, so be sure to ask your mechanic about it first. Also, use cold weather washer fluid and keep the reservoir full. Leave a bottle in your trunk, as this will come in handy when road salt or snow smears your windshield.
- Test the brakes.
Your brakes should be a priority when getting your car ready for cooler weather. They’re your car’s most important safety system.
When driving in snow, sleet, ice, or freezing rain, your brakes must be able to take on the challenges of winter driving. Have your brakes and brake fluid checked by your trusted mechanic. Replace brake pads if necessary so you’ll have that extra peace of mind when driving on slippery roads.
- Consider winter tires.
If you reside in an area that’s prone to receiving a large volume of ice and snow, consider switching to winter tires for better performance and a safer ride during inclement weather. These tires are designed to handle prolonged winter conditions efficiently. That’s why it makes perfect sense to switch to them if your location is a frequent target of harsh elements.
- Inspect the tires.
If you think there’s no need for you to switch to winter tires, see to it that your current tires are in good condition. Be mindful that tire pressure tends to fluctuate as the weather changes. Refer to your owner’s manual or the sticker on the driver’s door or door jamb for the appropriate psi for your tires. Don’t forget to check the tire treads for signs of wear and tear as well.
- Clean and test the battery.
Colder weather can take its toll on car batteries. Pay attention to your battery connections and ensure that they’re tight and corrosion-free. Use a tester to determine if your battery has gotten weak, and rid the battery of any grime and grease you can find. Better yet, have a specialist do these steps for you.
- Make sure your heater and defroster are in great shape.
What could be worse than getting stranded in snow? The answer: Finding yourself in this condition while freezing inside your car due to a busted heater and defroster! Check these parts before winter sets in to find out whether or not they’re still working fine. If not, get them fixed as soon as you can.
Not Sure Whether Your Old Ride Will Still Be Able to Make It Through Winter?
If you have a car that has gone through numerous mechanical troubles, getting it ready for winter might not be enough to keep you safe on icy roads. If repairing it would cost you a fortune, and there’s not even a guarantee that it won’t experience any more problems, you might as well dispose of it.
No, we don’t mean selling that vehicle, which can prove to be a huge hassle. Rather, you can repurpose it and turn it into a powerful instrument for transforming the lives of the disadvantaged and neglected veterans in your community. You can do that by simply handing over that auto to us at Veteran Car Donations.
We’ll have your donated vehicle fixed the best way we can before putting it up for auction. We’ll then hand over the proceeds to our veteran-focused charity partners. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are dedicated to helping veterans who are grappling with poverty and homelessness, as well as those who are chronically unemployed and suffering from disabilities and serious illnesses, including mental health issues.
Our charity partners use the funding we give them to provide deserving veterans with housing assistance, financial aid, employment and livelihood opportunities, family support, free quality health care and medical treatment, psychotherapy services, educational scholarships, and many other benefits designed to improve the quality of their lives.
You’ll also benefit from your charitable act since it will allow you to reap valuable rewards. You’ll enjoy our free professional towing service wherever you are in the country. You’ll also be pleased with our quick and convenient donation process where you don’t have to do any paperwork.
Moreover, you’ll have the privilege of claiming the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.
Above all, you’ll have the ultimate pleasure and satisfaction of doing something extraordinary that can help uplift the lives of our nation’s heroes.
We take in nearly all vehicle types, including those that are no longer in good condition.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call us through our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822 or you may write to us here. Check out our FAQs page for more information on our donation program.
Warm the Hearts of Our Heroes This Winter!
Photo by Flo Maderebner under Pexels License
Your auto donation will surely warm the hearts of our nation’s suffering heroes. It can help transform their lives in so many ways. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our secure online donation form now!
Last Updated: August 23rd, 2023