Spring Cleaning Must-Dos for your Car

No Comment Car Care Tips

It’s March, and spring will be here before we know it. After a winter of snow, ice, and rain, it’s important not to forget to add your vehicle to your spring-cleaning list.

What should you be sure to include in your car’s spring tune-up? Here’s a handy checklist:

Spring Maintenance

To keep your car working its best, you should consider the below maintenance every time seasons change:

  • Fluid levels: Check your car’s oil, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid levels, and top off any that need it.
  • Check the gas: If you have a car that’s been sitting in storage all winter, consider replacing the gasoline, or at least top it off. Gasoline can lose effectiveness over time due to evaporation.
  • Tire pressure: With fluctuating temperatures, it’s important to keep an eye on tire pressure and make sure it’s within your car’s optimal range (your car’s owner’s manual should have this info). If needed, tire pressure can often be corrected at gas stations. 
  • Tires: If you installed snow tires, you’ll need to swap them out when temperatures are consistently above about 45 degrees. Also, inspect the tire tread and look for any punctures or debris that may be stuck in the tires. If the tread is looking low, it’s a good idea to bring your car into the shop and see if the tires need replacing as well.
  • Wiper blades: Wiper blades take a beating in the winter. Replace them in the spring if you see any streaks on the windshield when using them.

Cleaning Your Car’s Exterior

Of course, your car’s exterior might be looking a bit worse for wear after winter. Luckily, a thorough clean can likely make it look nearly good as new.

  • Wash your car: Take your car through a carwash (or wash it yourself). Pay special attention to the undercarriage and the wheel wells, where salt and grime can collect. If needed, clean the headlights as well. Doing so will not only make your car look nicer; it’ll enhance your safety on the road at night.
  • Wax your car: Ideally, you gave your car a wax before the start of winter. In the spring, another wax can help protect the paint and restore the shine ahead of muddy spring weather.
  • Check the paint: Despite your best efforts, damage to paint can sometimes occur. After washing your car, take some time to inspect the paint job, noting any dings, scratches, or chips. You’ll want to repair any of those promptly to prevent rust – and you’ll want to consider bringing in a professional.

Cleaning Your Car’s Interior

Don’t neglect your car’s interior – it takes just as much a beating in the winter months as the outside:

  • Check for trash: It’s easy to let trash accumulate in your car. Check all the seats – and the trunk – and dispose of any trash that you find.
  • Update the emergency kit: With the change of the seasons, you may need to also switch out some supplies in your car’s emergency kit or restock supplies that you used. Not sure what to include? Check out this list to make sure you’re prepared.
  • Clean the carpets: Clean carpet can help protect your car’s value. Once you’ve vacuumed the interior, use a steam cleaner or spot carpet cleaner to remove stubborn stains.

If it’s been a while since your car’s been in for a check-up, spring is a great time to book a professional to take a look. Use Carwise.com to find a shop near you that’s familiar with your specific make and model. For peace of mind, find a professional to check the engine, fluids, brakes, tires, paint job and more: carwise.com/auto-body-shops

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How to clean your headlights – and when to bring in a professional

No Comment Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips, Car Care Tips

On dark or rainy roads, the last thing you need is cloudy headlights. Not only are clear headlights important for road safety when driving – they also help maintain the look and value of your vehicle.

Over time all headlights can become cloudy or dirty. The biggest causes are road dirt, debris, and UV rays from the sun, all of which can wear away the protective coating on headlights.

But before you purchase new headlights, it’s worth seeing if they can simply be cleaned. Below, find some DIY options to try, as well as when to hire a professional for the job.

Toothpaste

One of the most common methods for cleaning headlights involves a product you likely already have on hand: toothpaste. Since toothpaste is mildly abrasive, it’s perfect for cleaning headlights.

Simply grab some toothpaste and several soft cloths. First, wash and dry your headlight with soap and water. Then apply about a fingertip’s worth of toothpaste to each headlight and scrub with the cloth, using more toothpaste as needed. Once the protective coating has been entirely removed and the headlight looks clear, rinse the headlight, let it air dry, and apply a sealant.

This method takes about five minutes per headlight. Pro tip: add baking soda to your toothpaste if your headlights are particularly cloudy.  

Vinegar & Baking Soda

Another popular method for cleaning headlights involves using two other common household products: vinegar and baking soda.

Like with toothpaste, you’ll first wash and dry the headlights with soap and water. Then, mix together two parts distilled white vinegar with one part baking soda in a clean container and stir or shake. Next, dip a clean microfiber cloth into the mixture, and use the cloth to scrub each headlight for several minutes. Rinse the headlights with water and allow them to air dry, repeating these steps several times if needed, always rinsing your headlights at the end.

Once again, you’ll want to apply a new layer of sealant once the headlights are clean and dry.

Using a DIY Cleaner Kit

A third popular method for cleaning headlights involves purchasing an actual DIY headlight cleaning kit. These kits often include several types of sandpaper, cleaner and/or polish, cloths, and protective coating or sealant. Most kits are equipped to clean two headlights.

If you go with a kit, be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow them, so as not to scratch your headlights. Be sure to also purchase enough kits to clean all your lights that need it. For example, if you’re planning to clean both your headlights and tail lights, you’ll likely need more than one kit.

When to Call a Professional

If you want to make sure the job is done right the first time, it might make sense to call a professional off the bat versus doing it yourself. One sign that you should bring your car in? Scratches or scuffs on your headlights.

Abrasives can make those scratches or scuffs even worse, damaging your headlights further. When you take your car into a shop for headlight restoration instead, they can buff away these imperfections and make your headlights look good as new. Plus, your headlights won’t just look good – they’ll also be protected against rain, dirt, and more, potentially saving you money on repairs down the road.

Need help fixing your headlights? Carwise.com can help you find a body shop near you to help with all your car maintenance needs. Search your zip code today to get started: carwise.com/auto-body-shops

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How to Protect Your Car from Road Salt

No Comment Maintenance

When winter weather strikes, salt and sand are excellent tools to help provide a safe road for drivers. Salt helps melt the ice even when temperatures are below freezing, and sand helps keep the salt in place.

But while salt and sand help your car grip the road in less-than-favorable weather, it can also spell trouble for a car’s finish or even cause vehicle damage.

Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to help protect your car this winter.

Wash & Wax the Exterior of Your Car

Getting a car wash isn’t just something for the spring and summer months. In fact, keeping your car washed and waxed regularly in the winter is one of the best things you can do to prevent salt and sand damage to your vehicle. Cars should be washed, if possible, every two weeks during the winter, including the undercarriage where salt can get stuck. Vehicles also should be washed after each snowfall, if possible. Winter often also means cold temperatures. If it’s below freezing, hold off on your car wash until the temperature rises. Otherwise, water may freeze on your car’s surface and cause damage, too.  

As for waxing, cars should be waxed every three months during the year. Be sure to get your car waxed before the first snowfall is expected in your area and consider applying a ceramic coating for added protection.

Clean the Car’s Tires

Snow and ice can get stuck and freeze in your car’s wheel wells – often taking salt, sand, or even bits of dirt or asphalt with them. Over time, these can damage your car’s undercarriage or the wheel well. Be sure to clear debris from around the wheels before you hit the road, and target these areas when washing your car in the winter.

Plan Your Driving Around Weather (if possible)

These days, roads are almost always pre-treated ahead of an expected snowfall or ice storm. That means salt is on the road even before the first snowflake falls.

If possible, plan your travel around snowstorms, opting not to drive the day prior to, during, or the day after a snowfall. This can help minimize the amount of salt your car encounters (and help you avoid possible dangerous driving conditions). Of course, avoiding driving entirely isn’t always possible. If you do have to drive, be mindful of avoiding potholes and puddles, which can collect dirt, salt, and other items that could damage your car.

Keep an Eye on the Interior

With road salt, the exterior of a car often gets the most attention, but it’s important to care for your car’s interior too. Salt and grime can be tracked in on your shoes during the winter, quickly staining the carpet.

To prevent this, you can put down plastic weather floor mats to help protect the inside of your car. If you do track in any salt, be sure to vacuum and clean the carpeting or seats promptly to help prevent staining.

Touch Up Paint Chips

Salt can corrode metal quickly, especially on paint that’s damaged. If your car has any chips or scratches to the paint job, be sure to repair them promptly – ideally before the first snowfall. This will help protect the actual body of your car from damage and prevent the paint job from deteriorating further.

Need help repairing chips or scratches? Carwise.com can help you find a body shop near you to help with all your car maintenance needs. Search your zip code today to get started: carwise.com/auto-body-shops

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Everything You Need to Know About Snow Tires

No Comment Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips

Winter is here – and with winter can come more hazardous road conditions, depending upon where you live. Between snow, ice, and sleet, the roads can become quite slippery, making driving for any amount of time extra treacherous.

What are snow/winter tires?

One option to increase your safety on the road in winter is to opt for snow, or winter, tires.

Winter tires have special, high-tech rubber compounds that maintain greater flexibility even in very cold temperatures. They also have special, deep tread designs that allow for superior gripping on roads covered in snow or ice. With all these extra features, snow tires provide traction where normal, all-season tires might slip and slide.

Drivers who live in climates that routinely stay under 40 degrees in winter for several months at a time should consider snow tires. Additionally, if you often drive in the mountains or off-road for winter activities or other events, you should also consider swapping out for winter tires.

Some high-end vehicles may come equipped with “summer tires” which need to be swapped out when the seasons change. Winter tires should be used once the weather is consistently under 45 degrees. They are then swapped back out when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 45 degrees in the spring.

Potential cost of snow tires, and alternatives

Snow tires can be expensive, which may discourage some drivers. If you don’t often see snow or live in a warmer climate, they probably aren’t necessary. Instead, you can opt to keep tire chains in your car in case you need them. If you choose to use tire chains, make sure you purchase ones for use with your specific make and model, and also be sure you know how to use them before the first snowfall.

Additionally, there can be charges associated with swapping tires from summer to winter sets. One way to save costs long-term is to consider purchasing a separate set of wheels to house the snow tires. Then, the wheels can be switched out entirely each season, which will save on some maintenance costs long-term.

Regardless of whether you choose tires or chains, one thing every driver should do is frequently check tire pressure. Tire pressure can change quickly due to changing temperatures, and a simple check at your local gas station can help ensure you’re driving with tires inflated to the proper level – increasing your car’s performance and protecting your safety.

If you want to learn more about winter tires, or want to swap your vehicle’s tires out, contact your local body shop to help you. Use Carwise.com to find a perfect shop near you and read real reviews from real customers for thousands of shops: carwise.com/auto-body-shops. 

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Your Car’s Maintenance Plan for the New Year

No Comment Maintenance

A new year means a new opportunity to give your car the care it deserves. Whether you treated yourself to a new car at the end of the year, or you’re hoping to extend the life of your current vehicle, regular maintenance is key to keeping your car running at its best. 

Most maintenance is recommended on a 30-60-90 schedule, meaning there are items to check at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles. But there’s also maintenance that should be done more routinely. 

In this article, learn how to get your car on a maintenance schedule, and what you should be checking routinely. This is general information – always consult your vehicle’s manual for specific guidance. 

Routine and Seasonal Maintenance

Some items are easy for you to check yourself if you’re comfortable doing so. Items to inspect regularly include: 

Each season you should also:

Maintenance to do at 30,000 miles

Once your vehicle hits 30,000 miles – or even before – there are two big items you should have checked: 

  • Air filter
  • Fuel filter

If you live in a dusty area, you’ll want your air filter checked even sooner. Some car manuals suggest checking your fuel filter around 30,000 miles too, so be sure to have that checked. 

Maintenance to do at 60,000 miles

Once your car has reached 60,000 miles on the road, the list of things to check gets a little longer. You’ll want to have the following things inspected: 

  • Battery
  • Brake fluid
  • Brake pad/shoes
  • Brake rotors
  • Coolant
  • Transmission fluid

While some of these things you can check yourself, it’s worth taking your car into a shop for these. A lot of vehicle issues can crop up around 60,000 miles, so it’s important to have an expert check all these items to make sure your vehicle is running like it should, and to prevent future issues.

Maintenance to do at 90,000 miles 

Once your car has hit 90,000 miles, it’s seen quite a bit of road. As your car ages and racks up the miles, maintenance becomes crucial to keep your car drivable for as long as possible. Items to check at 90,000 miles include:

  • Hoses
  • Power steering fluid
  • Spark plugs/ignition system
  • Timing belt

A lot of those items noted above can actually need replacing as early as 75,000 miles – which is why the 60,000 mile check-up is so important. At 90,000 miles, be sure to take your car into the shop, but also always keep an eye out for any weird sounds, smells, or driving issues. When in doubt, take your car into the shop – it’s always better to find and fix problems sooner rather than later. 

Need help finding a shop for your car’s maintenance? Use Carwise.com to search tens of thousands of shops around the country, and to read real reviews from recent customers. See qualifications, certifications and more at Carwise.com: carwise.com/auto-body-shops. 

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5 Safety Tips for Winter Road Trips

No Comment Safety Tips

The holiday season for many means gathering together with family and loved ones. Those gatherings often involve a road trip or two. Depending on where you live, traveling in winter can be daunting, between worries about snow and ice, shortened daylight hours and more. But, with a few tips in mind, you can make sure you and your car are ready for that holiday road trip.

Check your car’s fluids, lights & more

Before embarking on your road trip, be sure to prep your vehicle for winter road conditions. At the very least, check the basics:

  • Fluid levels (windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, oil, coolant, etc.)
  • Your car’s brakes(check the wear and listen for any odd noises when braking)
  • Headlights and brake lights
  • Tires(check the tread and swap out for winter tires or add chains, if necessary)
  • Battery functionality

You should also consider getting any cracksor chips in your auto glass repaired, as well as damage to the auto body. Glass expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations, and a small chip or crack can become a large one if exposed to moisture. Damage to the auto body can also become worse when exposed to winter weather conditions – scratches and chips can incur rustfrom moisture and road salt. It’s better to protect the condition of your vehicle and get small repairs taken care of before your winter road trip than to incur more damage while you’re traveling. 

Be weather aware

Check the weather before you leave and be sure to not just check your current location, but also the weather at your destination and along your route. If you know snow or ice is expected, you can plan accordingly by prepping your car, or even change the timing of your travel if possible.

Make sure you understand the different weather alerts as well, such as travel advisories and travel warnings, and how they could impact your drive.

Stock your emergency kit

Every car should have an emergency kit in case you become stranded. In winter, this is especially important. Some items to include in your winter travel emergency kit are blankets, a car phone charger, shelf-stable food, water, a shovel and cat litter or sand (for traction), and more.

For a full list of what to include, check out our guide for stocking your winter weather emergency kit.

Prevention is key

It may sound obvious, but one of the best things you can do on a winter road trip is drive carefully. Weather conditions can change quickly, and roads can freeze even if it’s just raining, depending on the road temperature. Leave plenty of space between your car and other vehicles in case you need to make a sudden stop. Make sure to leave with plenty of time to reach your destination, even if you hit unexpected delays or bad weather, and be prepared to pause your travels if the weather becomes too bad.

Make sure your littlest passengers are safe

Road trips during the holidays often mean traveling with family, and especially little ones. If you’re traveling with a child in a car seat, be sure to remove any bulky clothing before putting them in the car seat. This includes winter jackets, vests, snow suits and more.

While you can put a blanket over the car seat, nothing should go into the car seat or beneath the car seat straps unless it was sold with the seat.

Winter road trips can be daunting, but they don’t need to be. With some easy preparations and key points in mind, you can help ensure safe travels to your destination.

Find an Auto Body Shop Near You

If you find yourself stranded due to an accident in winter weather, Carwise can help.  Find a reputable collision repair shop near you by searching Carwise.com, where you’ll find shop contact information, hours and locations, as well as reviews from real customers, before and after photos, and certifications. With more than 21,000 shops to choose from nationwide, Carwise will help you find the right shop near you. Start your search from wherever you are: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.

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What to Include in a Winter Weather Emergency Kit for Your Car

No Comment Safety Tips

Winter weather has arrived across much of the U.S. and the holiday season is here, and for many that can mean extra time on the road as we travel to visit family, friends and other loved ones.

Winter travel can be hazardous however, between ice, snow, wind and more. Before you hit the road, it’s a good idea to stock your car’s emergency kit with items to help you stay safe if you’re unexpectedly stranded or experiencing car trouble in winter weather.

Winter weather supplies

Depending on where you live or are traveling to, winter weather can call for specialty items to be added to your car’s emergency kit. Think about what weather conditions you can expect where you are and where you’re going, and plan accordingly.

Include items such as:

  • Road salt or cat litter, to help with tire traction if you’re stuck in snow or ice
  • Ice scraper and snow brush
  • Shovel, for digging out your car
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • Waterproof matches and candles
  • Rain poncho, boots and umbrella

Health and safety supplies

Don’t just think about what you’ll need for your car if it breaks down – think about what you’ll need for yourself or your family, too. Whatever you’d need to survive for 24 hours, make sure you have it in your car’s emergency kit before traveling.

Think about including things like:

  • First aid kit
  • Gloves, hat, scarf, and other warm clothes
  • Warm blankets or a sleeping bag
  • Nonperishable food items, such as trail mix or protein bars
  • Bottled water, ideally several gallons
  • Reflective gear (wearable)
  • Flags or reflective signage to place around your car
  • Necessary medications (if applicable)
  • Hand warmers

Car repair equipment

No one wants to experience car trouble – especially if it happens while you’re on the road far from home. It helps to keep an emergency kit with equipment in your trunk year-around in case of a dead battery, flat tire, or other minor issue.

Items can include:

  • Vehicle manual
  • Jumper cables
  • Spare tire
  • Tire repair kit
  • Tow rope
  • Auto or travel tool kit
  • Portable air compressor, to fill up tires
  • Tire sealant, for temporarily repairing a small hole

Navigation tools

What if you get stranded and find yourself without cell service? Many of us rely on our cell phones for directions and more during travel. Make sure you have a backup plan in case you can’t access your phone.

Consider including:

  • Road maps
  • Compass

Other items

Finally, think about items that could help you if you get stuck for a long period of time, such as chargers for electronics, a way to take notes and more.

Items could include:

  • Cell phone car charger
  • Notepad and pen or pencil
  • Duct tape

With all of these items in your trunk or back seat, you can travel this holiday season with greater confidence, knowing that you’re prepared for whatever might happen on the road.

If you find yourself stranded due to an accident, use Carwise.com to find a repair shop near you wherever your travels take you. Search Carwise.com to get started today: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.

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How to Choose a Repair Shop for Your High-End Sports Car

No Comment Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips

If you own a sports car, you probably won’t trust just anyone to work on it. Not only can sports cars be more expensive than the average vehicle, but they are often a source of pride for owners. But, if your sports car does need work, there are a few things you can do to make sure you choose the best shop for your pride and joy.

Check certifications

One easy way to know if a shop might be a good fit? Check their certifications!

Shops can be certified by general automobile organizations – such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or I-CAR – or they can be certified by different manufacturers, including Porsche, Audi, BMW, and others. Certifications indicate an extra level of training for technicians in a shop, and many certifications require continuing education to maintain certification.

If a shop is certified in your particular car’s brand, they’ll be trained to repair your vehicle.

Trust word-of-mouth

When it comes to finding a shop you can trust, ask opinions from people you trust. Friends, family or other sports car enthusiasts can steer you toward – or away from – certain shops.

At Carwise.com, you can also read reviews from prior customers and see when the reviews were left. This can provide you with extra confidence when choosing a shop, knowing that other customers before you had a good experience.

Ask for examples

Before you let a shop work on your high-end car, know that you can always ask for examples of a shop’s previous work. You don’t have to just hand your car over to be painted or repaired – ask for recent photos of other paint jobs or repairs they’ve completed.  Also, be sure to ask if they have experience working with your car’s particular make and model. You can also use Carwise.com to search for repair shops that share before & after photos of their work. 

Remember: Stay up-to-date on maintenance

Of course, no one wants unnecessary repairs on a car. Remember to keep up with your sports car’s basic maintenance, including:

  • Keeping an eye on fluid levels and topping off or replacing as needed
  • Prioritizing tire pressure and keeping it within range
  • Covering your car when storing
  • Washing your car regularly to keep it clean of debris

Find a Auto Body Shop Near You

When you’re ready to find an auto body shop for your sports car, Carwise can help. With details on over 21,000 shops nationwide, you’ll find information about shop certifications, customer reviews, before & after photos, as well as the basics from hours and location to contact information. Get started with your auto body shop search today: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.

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Five Questions to Ask When Choosing a Collision Repair Shop

No Comment Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips

When your car needs a repair, it can pay to be choosy about who you select to fix it. You want to make sure that any repairs or part replacements are done correctly the first time, so you don’t end up paying more later.

You should feel empowered to ask questions when choosing a shop. Below, find a few questions you should ask before any repair work starts.

1 – What are the shop’s certifications?

Collision repair shops and their technicians can obtain a variety of different certifications to let consumers know what type of cars they are certified in and specialize in repairing. These certifications take lots of factors into consideration – the training and experience of the repair technicians, the repair and safety protocols of the shops, and more. The most common certifications in the U.S. are the National Institute of Auto Service Excellence (ASE), the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repairs (I-CAR), and OEM certifications (shops that are certified by Original Equipment Manufacturers such as Honda, Ford, etc.) You can learn more about shop certifications here. Many shops will list their certifications in their Carwise.com profile.

2 – Does the shop offer warranties?

When doing a repair or replacement, many shops will offer warranties, in case there is a failure with one of the parts that was replaced or the body or finish work. However, warranties can vary widely from shop to shop, and so you should be sure to ask about this before agreeing to a repair. That way, you’ll know exactly what’s covered under warranty and for how long.

Warranties also vary based on the type of part being used in the repair. Ask what warranties are available with your chosen parts.  

3 – What are my repair options, and can you explain them to me?

A good repair facility should be able to explain the repair process to any customer, regardless of their level of car knowledge. Ask lots of questions when discussing a repair, including asking for a full range of options and an explanation of each. If you don’t understand what’s being said, ask them to clarify in simple terms. You should fully understand what’s going to happen with your vehicle before work begins.

4 – What services does the shop charge for?

Many shops offer free estimates for repairs, but some do not. Before you hand over your keys, ask the shop technician what their process is and what services they charge for, including if they charge for estimates and diagnostic tests in addition to the repair itself.

5 – Does the shop have positive customer reviews?

Online reviews are a great way to find out whether a shop is trusted in your community. You can find reviews from real customers on Carwise.com, as well as other sites like Google, Facebook and Yelp.

Find a Auto Body Shop Near You

If you’re just starting your auto body shop search, use Carwise.com to find answers to many of these questions and more right on the shop description page. You’ll find customer reviews, shop certifications, hours, location, and contact information on over 21,000 shops in just a few clicks. Get started with your auto body shop search today: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.

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How to Prep Your Car for Winter Driving

No Comment Car Care Tips

For most of the U.S., winter is on its way or has already made an appearance with a snowfall or two. Winter can be a precarious season for driving, between ice storms, snow storms, fallen leaves and more. But with a few basic maintenance steps, you can make sure your car is road-ready, whatever weather may find you.

Prep Your Tires for Winter

Your tires are very important to your safety on the road and require routine maintenance, especially as seasons change. There are a few items to check off your list before winter arrives:

  • Check tire tread. Because winter roads can be so slippery, it’s important to make sure your tires have good traction. Check the tread on your tires to make sure it’s not too low and replace your tires if needed.
  • Check your tire pressure. When the temperature drops, so will your tire pressure. Make sure your tires are in proper range and fill up with extra air if the pressure is too low.
  • Consider snow tires. If you live in a particularly snowy or icy climate, you might opt for special winter tires. They may lower your gas milage but provide much better traction. You can swap them out at the end of the season.

Check Your Car’s Fluids, Brakes, Battery, and Blades for Winter

Once you know your tires are good to go, you should check other key components for your vehicle that will keep it running smoothly in cold weather:  

  • Check your fluids. Top off any fluids that may need it, including antifreeze and brake fluid. You should also change out your oil if it needs it, and consider purchasing winter washer fluid, which is less likely to freeze in very cold temperatures.
  • Inspect your brakes. Winter can be extremely hard on brakes, between slippery roads, salt and more. Make sure your brakes are in optimal condition and schedule any repairs or replacements that might be needed. Not sure if it’s time for a brake job? Here are six signs that your brakes may need replacing.
  • Check your battery. Car battery functionality goes down in winter, and negative temperatures can make it harder for it to start especially if the battery is older. Test the battery with a reader to make sure it’s performing well and replace it if needed.
  • Keep an eye on wiper blades. Ice easily wears down windshield wiper blades. Start the winter season out with a fresh pair and replace as needed – even consider keeping a spare set in your car in case you need new ones while on the road.

Prep Your Car for a Winter Weather Emergency

Finally, there are a few last items to keep in mind to ensure you’re ready for winter:

  • Pack an emergency kit. It’s good to be prepared for whatever may happen in case you end up stranded for a few hours or even a day. Make sure your car is packed with an emergency kit suitable for your particular needs and climate. Learn what to consider including in your kit in this article.
  • Keep your gas tank half full. In cold weather, moisture can build up in your gas tank, which can wreak havoc on your vehicle long term. Do your best to always keep your gas tank at least half full to help prevent this.

Once your car has been winterized, you can hit the road with confidence. If an accident happens on icy, snowy roads, follow these safety tips to collect accident information, submit a claim, and seek repairs. If you find yourself in need of auto body repairs over the winter or any time of year, Carwise  can help you find the perfect shop near you. Search Carwise.com and read reviews from real customers, find shop hours and locations, before and after photos, and certifications. With more than 21,000 shops to choose from, Carwise.com will help you find your perfect fit. Get started today: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.

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