Freezing temperatures are headed to the Houston area this weekend, and icy roads combined with cold weather could make driving dangerous.<\/p>\n
Before the freeze hits, experts say a little preparation can go a long way in keeping you safe on the road \u2014 and avoiding costly breakdowns.<\/p>\n
Mechanic Junior Bekdely of Redline Autosports says many important steps can be done right at home.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll kinds of things can happen to your car,\u201d Bekdely said. \u201cThere\u2019s a bunch of stuff you want to check before the freeze comes.\u201d<\/p>\n
What You Can Do at Home<\/p>\n
Start with these simple checks in your driveway:<\/p>\n
Top off and check fluids<\/p>\n
Antifreeze coolant<\/p>\n
Windshield washer fluid<\/p>\n
Engine oil<\/p>\n
Brake fluid<\/p>\n
Power steering fluid<\/p>\n
Transmission fluid<\/p>\n
Bekdely says antifreeze and washer fluid are especially important in freezing conditions.<\/p>\n
Inspect your tires<\/p>\n
Look for worn or smooth tread<\/p>\n
Check for exposed wires or damage<\/p>\n
Inflate tires before temperatures drop, since cold air lowers tire pressure<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you see the tread is gone and it\u2019s just smooth, then get them replaced \u2014 or stay home,\u201d Bekdely warned.<\/p>\n
Check your battery<\/p>\n
Look for corrosion or buildup around the terminals<\/p>\n
If you notice excessive corrosion, your battery may be failing<\/p>\n
Bekdely also recommends keeping jumper cables or a portable booster pack in your vehicle, just in case.<\/p>\n
When to Visit a Mechanic<\/p>\n
For extra peace of mind, a quick trip to your local mechanic\u2019s shop can help catch issues you might miss at home. During a cold-weather checkup, mechanics can:<\/p>\n
Test the battery\u2019s strength and charge<\/p>\n
Test coolant and other fluids<\/p>\n
Correct tire pressure<\/p>\n
Perform a general vehicle inspection<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have tools that can test the integrity of the battery and the coolant,\u201d Bekdely said. \u201cWe\u2019ll get your tire pressure corrected and give it a general look over so you don\u2019t get yourself in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n
One More Cold-Weather Tip<\/p>\n
When temperatures drop, don\u2019t rush out the door and drive immediately. Let your car warm up for five to ten minutes so engine and transmission fluids reach operating temperature. Turn on the defroster before driving to ensure clear visibility.<\/p>\n
Taking these steps now can help make sure your car \u2014 and your commute \u2014 is ready for freezing temperatures this weekend.<\/p>\n
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