Even in San Diego, Auto Repair and Maintenance for Cold Weather Is a Must

Posted on November 9, 2015 by Abraham Chavez

Finally! It looks like cooler weather has finally arrived in San Diego and with this past October being the hottest on record, many locals are looking forward to crisp fall temperatures. Even though we are lucky enough to live in this year-round temperate climate, some basic auto repair and maintenance is still needed for cooler weather. According to some auto repair experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), car troubles can be more likely to sneak up on drivers living in mild weather locations than frigid ones because these car owners overlook proper car maintenance and tune-ups.

Our beautiful San Diego skyline during the winter months.

Cooler Weather Maintenance & Repair Tips for Local Drivers

Flush and refill your vehicle’s cooling system regularly as indicated in the owner’s manual. In cooler weather, a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is generally best. A healthy cooling system will enable your vehicle to better handle drops in temperature. Generally speaking cooling system services such as radiator flushes should be performed every two years.
Regular oil changes in San Diego are still important year-round and especially in “colder” weather. Check the oil and look at its thickness level and color as well as for any particles. Dark, thick oil with particles is a sign that an oil change is needed. Your vehicle’s engine already has to work harder in colder weather, don’t make it work even harder by making it churn through thick sludgy oil. Take extra care to make sure you use the oil viscosity grade suggested by the owner’s manual.
Batteries longevity and performance tend to be hit hard by cold weather. If it has been awhile since you checked the strength of your car’s battery, now is a good time to do it. This is particularly true if you are planning taking a road trip to freezing weather climates. Snowboarding trip anyone?

Whether it is transmission troubles, cooling system issues or a working-too-hard engine, remember that cold temperatures often exacerbate existing problems. So if you’ve been postponing on your general auto repairs, now is the time to bring it in to a local shop for service.