Imagine waking up on a February morning in San Diego and feeling unusually cold. You look out your window and see icicles hanging off a busted fire hydrant, your hydrangea bush killed, and kids frolicking across the street as they chip ice off of a frozen fountain in the middle of a park. As you stand frozen looking at the frozen scene, you’re hit with a sudden panic. “What about the car? I didn’t prepare the car for this!”
This icy situation actually happened in San Diego, though it’s doubtful you’ll hear any firsthand accounts of the “Great California Freeze” since it occurred on January 7, 1913. But with the often strange and unpredictable weather in recent years, who can say with all confidence that the mercury won’t hit rock bottom again?
The fact is that winter, though usually quite mild, does affect us here in Southern California, and it’s important that you winterize your vehicle in order to remain safe during the holidays and colder months.
Here are a few suggestion that will help keep your automobile in tip-top shape throughout the winter:
BRAKES
When the temperature gets on the cool side, be sure to check your brake system. Fluids, hoses, lines, brake pads all need to be maintained in the event of a rainy winter in San Diego. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
TIRES
Regular tire maintenance is essential to the performance of your vehicle, especially in the winter. Rain and colder weather can test your tires and possibly lead to an accident. Take care of your tires, rotate and balance them as needed, and you’ll have a safer car that gets better gas mileage and rides smoother, too.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Colder weather can be hard on your vehicle’s electrical system. The wires, plugs, and batteries have to work a little harder, and any weakness or malfunction in their performance can be dangerous. As the weather dips, have your trusted mechanic take a look at the electrical system and make sure you’re good to go.
OIL, FLUIDS, AND FILTER
Regular oil changes, filter and fluid checks are imperative to the successful performance of your vehicle. But of course, we’re all busy and sometimes this regular maintenance gets overlooked or delayed. Try to set reminders for yourself to keep up the regular oil/filter/fluid checks, especially in winter when the busy holidays can distract us from basic car maintenance.
Neglecting to maintain your vehicle in the colder months can cause an otherwise reliable car to become slightly less so, perhaps leading to an accident. Proper maintenance will ensure that in the unfortunate event of an accident, your responsibility for the functionality of your vehicle is not to be questioned. If your vehicle is maintained adequately and you are in an accident, you may have grounds for a defective auto part claim on your hands. Please call the skilled team of Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers at (619) 233-5020 or Toll Free (888) 233-5020 today for a free consultation.
