When it’s blistery cold, we make sure we are prepared for going outside by bundling up with appropriate clothing. If we didn’t, we would have to face some pretty bad consequences. The same thing goes for making sure our automobiles are prepared for handling winter weather. There are a few things you can do to make sure you avoid some of the more common winter car problems.

1. Battery – Often times, older car batteries will die on the coldest of mornings. In fact, this is probably the most common of all the winter car problems. That’s because temperatures that are below freezing place a strain on a battery that is older. If your battery is three to four years old, we can test it for you to tell you its capacity. Batteries that are 4 years old or older should be replaced… before you can’t start your car.
2. Antifreeze – When was the last time you had the antifreeze flushed in your vehicle? Antifreeze should be able to protect to -34 degrees and have the proper pH balance so it protects against corrosion. Be careful when adding antifreeze to your radiator to make sure it is the proper mixture of water and coolant. Straight antifreeze or antifreeze with too much water will put you at risk for cracking the engine block. When you bring your vehicle to Geller’s Automotive in Byram, NJ, we can test the condition of the antifreeze. If it’s been a while since you’ve had a flush done, have us change the fluid for you. Click here to make an appointment for an antifreeze flush now.
3. Tires – Though your vehicle most likely has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) installed on each tire to alert you to low air pressure, it’s still a good idea to check the tire pressure once a month. Colder temperatures can cause the Low Air Pressure warning light to come on your dashboard when the tire air pressure is already low. When you check the tire pressure, it’s also an excellent time to check the condition of the tires. Are they showing even wear? Is there enough tire tread to properly grip the road? If you answered “no” to either of these questions, have us take a look at your tires. We can help you select the best tire for your vehicle and budget.
4. Wiper Blades and Windshield Wiper Fluid – I think we’ve all experienced a winter storm when our wiper blades weren’t doing a good job of cleaning the windshield. Snow and ice may freeze on the wiper and windshield making it hard to see. Older wiper blades will make it even more difficult to safely see through your windshield. The cost of a new set of wipers is well worth it. While you’re at it, make sure the windshield washer fluid is topped off and that you carry an extra bottle of fluid in your vehicle.
5. Gasoline – Don’t run your vehicle in the wintertime with a near empty gas tank. Moisture in the air can freeze and lead to ice in the fuel lines. It’s a good practice to have at least half a tank of gas. You also never know when you will need to get somewhere during a winter storm.

Avoid the common winter car problems and get your vehicle ready for the winter. Schedule your winter car care with the tusted technicians at Geller’s.  Click here to make an appointment with our auto repair shop in Byram, New Jersey.