Preparing your car for the winter weather

By Ryne Turke on December 5, 2016 at 6:15am

With the first snow of the year in the books, West Central Illinois drivers should start preparing their cars for the winter season.

David Zink of Zink’s Auto Clinic in Jacksonville shares some tips he’s gathered in his decade of experience working with cars.

“Check your battery and make sure antifreeze is good, clean and strong enough to protect from freezing. Tire pressure is a big thing to watch as the temperature gets colder, because they will lose pressure sometimes. It is a good idea to have everything checked over before cold weather gets here. If it has been a while since an oil change, then do that. Make sure all the fluid levels are topped off. These are things you should do anyway,” says Zink.

Zink says letting your car warm up during freezing temperatures is a good idea.

“Especially if it is really cold or the car has to sit outside. It is good to let it run for a few minutes to get things moving and flowing before you take off,” says Zink.

Other automobile tips include checking your thermostat, heater and defroster. Be sure your front and back lights are working properly before hitting the road.

The winter weather lead to Illinois State Police responding to 17 accidents yesterday in the District 9 area.