Jan 9, 2023
Winter Car Care Tips for Your Ford - Academy Ford Blog

With plummeting temperatures, hazardous ice, and uncertain weather conditions, the harsh Laurel, Maryland winter can spell havoc for an unprotected vehicle. Whether you’re driving across town, or across the country, there are preemptive steps that need to be taken in order to protect your Ford from these adverse forces. At Academy Ford in Laurel, we’re your go-to experts for everything Ford. We’ll help you get ready for wintertime weather with these helpful winter car care tips, from preparing your vehicle’s exterior and engine compartment to what to stock in the interior cabin.

The Exterior

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as attempting to leave in a hurry, only to find that your vehicle’s handle lock is iced over. Regardless of what you do next, you should never try to thaw a lock with warm water. This could potentially cause extensive damage to your vehicle and allow water to seep into your lock. Instead, opt for a de-icer that can be found at a local auto parts store. Be sure to keep the deicer somewhere other than your vehicle as it will not do you any good if it is locked inside.

Under the Hood

With the harsh winter rapidly approaching, make sure you have the right engine oil in your vehicle. Oftentimes with lower temperatures, your Ford will require a less viscous oil. Be sure to reference your vehicle’s manual for the correct oil viscosity needed for optimum performance. Additionally, be sure to top off other pertinent fluids such as the engine coolant, windshield wiper fluid, and transmission fluid.

The Interior

On the inside of your Ford, be sure to carry a well-stocked emergency kit. As wintertime temperatures continue to drop, being stranded on the side of the road can quickly become a potentially dangerous situation. A well-prepared emergency kit should include engine oil, washer fluid, coolant, a radio, flares, blankets, boots, a flashlight, and some booster cables.

Your Laurel, MD Ford Dealer

Academy Ford in Laurel is your reliable resource for Ford car care tips. If you know of a Ford car care tip that we missed, reach out to us on Facebook. While you’re there, be sure to check out our incredible lineup of new Ford Trucks and SUVs. Click or come by today to see why Academy Ford in Laurel is your home for Honesty and Integrity.