Dec 10
8
Prepare Your Honda for the Houston Winter
It’s time to winterize your Honda
Here in Texas, it’s often difficult to think about preparing your car for winter. After all, Texas is known for its hot summers. Conversely, the unpredictable winter weather in Texas can lead to sudden cold snaps and ice storms. Consider these few checkpoints to make sure your Honda performs at its best this winter.
How’s your battery?
- In the winter, a battery can lose up to 50% of its power while starting the car.
- Before you’re left stranded, be sure to check that your battery is in tip-top shape.
- If your battery is more than three years old, it’s best to have it tested at a certified automotive repair facility like the one at Honda Cars of Katy.
Kick the tires. One of the basic laws of physics is that air contracts when it cools. This principle can be applied to your tires as well. When cold temperatures hit, the air in your tires contract, which can lead to a loss of traction.
- Be sure to check your tire pressure, even on new cars.
- If you’re driving an older car, or are planning on making a trip to a northern state, it might be a good idea to invest in some snow tires as an extra precaution.
What’s under the hood? Before the cold weather hits, it’s a good idea to check your engine to make sure it’s going to run well through the winter.
Make sure your Honda is ready for the cold.
- Make sure your fluid levels are full, including the antifreeze and windshield washer fluids.
- If you drive a new Honda car, chances are your engine will be running at its peak, but it’s always good to give it a once-over every year, creating a good habit for the future.
Safety first. If you don’t have a safety kit in your car already, the onset of winter is the perfect time to get one. Roadside kits don’t take much space in the vehicle, but can make a huge difference if something should happen while you’re out driving. Be sure your kit includes some of the basics:
- Flares
- Flashlight
- First-aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Basic tool kit
- Warm blanket
- Ice scraper.
Time for Warm-ups. When the temperature starts dropping, it’s a good idea to start your car a little early and let the engine run for a few minutes before you drive off. If you have a remote starter on your new Honda, you don’t even have to leave the warmth of your home to get your engine running.
There are many other things you can do to get your Honda ready for the winter. Honda Cars of Katy has a state-of-of-the-art, full-service facility with great people ready to help. Check out our online appointment scheduler, visit us online and make sure to check out Facebook and Twitter.
