INDEPENDENT DEALER

   Santa Barbara, CA | (805) 350-2782

OUR BLOG

01/18/2023
Take advantage of the season and go on a winter road trip to enjoy the scenery. If you don't know where to start, Andy's Motor Oils in Santa Barbara focuses below on tips to prep your car for a winter road trip.

Seasonal maintenance is one of the most reliable options to extend your car's life. Try switching to synthetic oils to ensure smooth operation in the winter! Call Andys Motor Oils in Santa Barbara at (805) 350-2782 to request oil advice from an AMSOIL expert in your area. Or, visit their online store to browse through the brand's catalog.

Don't Get your Hopes Up

Road trips have always been a great way to decompress and sightsee new surroundings from the comfort of your car. Hitting the road this winter could also be the perfect justification to schedule a quick getaway for this particular season. But before you get elated at the possibilities of this venture, keep reading this post to prep your car for a winter road trip. You should know that this is an arduous task. You might want to grab a pen and paper to take notes. Keep reading, learn easy ways to plan and manage a road trip, and get safely to your chosen destination.

Check on Your Tires Constantly

Due to the varying road conditions, you must take the time to check your tires' tread seasonally. Car tires are under constant stress due to driving over pavement, muddy paths, and bumpy roads. Gliding on curvy roads is no easy feat either, but they must do the job anyway. Indeed, tires were designed to operate in extreme circumstances and cope with them. Yet, that doesn't suggest that the rubber isn't impervious to the harshness of the road.

It's Best to Watch Them Upclose

Hence, you can start by inspecting your car under direct sunlight. Then, examine the tread texture and depth and if you see them worn down. Also, if you spot any of these flaws, don't forget to replace them and maintain them on time:
  • The tread on your tires isn't fit to face the road.
  • There are gaps or areas with no track left.
  • There's rubble and residue on the tread of your tires.
  • You can see debris stuck in your tire.
These examples can be an indication of the trouble that lies ahead if you head out without inspecting the car. For instance, these problems can lead to a loss of traction on the road or cause a tire blowout. So, it's better to do your best to keep that from happening.

Don't overlook the importance of giving your engine a synthetic oil change! Switching to these formulas is one of the easiest preventative car maintenance hacks. Contact Andys Motor Oils in Santa Barbara at (805) 350-2782 if you need tips on synthetic oil formulas.

Don't Skip Checking on Your Tires Pressure

You can't forget about determining the tires' air pressure while inspecting their conditions. It would help if you did that for the following explanations:

The Correct Pressure Levels Improve Control behind the Wheel

There's no debate that tire pressure won't make your car more effortless to maneuver. So, this negative trait is self-explanatory to deter unexpected difficulties. Also, low tire pressure can induce a rise in friction that works against you. This causes your motor to struggle to keep operating.

Start Adding Oil Additives to Boost Performance

Every season comes with specific demands. Hence, why you must feed your car with fluids and additives throughout the year. For example, you can inspect the car's fluid intake; to prep your car for a winter road trip. So, before you hit the road, check these tanks before you go:
  • Engine Oil
  • Brake Fluid
  • Transmission Fluid
  • Wiper Fluid

Choosing the Correct Products

In the end, these tasks will lead to more comfortable road trips. So, this step requires you to top any of the previous examples that are under-filled. Or you can make the most of this occasion by switching to synthetic oil formulas to give your car a fresh start. Besides, doing something as manageable as changing your car's oil improves vehicle performance.

Consider This before Wrapping This Post Up

Have a friend or family member take a tour of your vehicle while you turn on all of the electrics. Don't forget to do this in a dark setting and inspect closely the following items and light sources:
  • The headlamps
  • High-beam
  • Indicators
  • Brakes, etc.
If any bulbs are dimming, take the time to replace them or pack a few spares in the car's trunk. Also, if the indicators and gauges constantly state the same level or don't move one bit, take it as a bad omen. In that case, it's best to get it all reviewed by an expert before going on a road trip.

AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil protects the car from wear and horsepower loss. Try it by calling Andys Motor Oils in Santa Barbara at (805) 350-2782. Their experts will help you find the right oil products for your car. You can also find great synthetic oil formulas to improve vehicle performance.