6 Tips for Winter Car Maintenance

Winter weather can wreak havoc on your vehicle, make driving conditions much more dangerous, and put you at risk. While you may not be able to avoid the harsher conditions winter brings, you can take proactive steps to ensure you properly maintain your car during the colder months to keep in running in top condition in spite of Mother Nature.

Check Your Battery

Cold conditions can be hard on vehicles, and your battery doesn’t have as much power when the temperatures dip. See your owner’s manual on how to check the battery for your specific vehicle, or visit your local service station or auto parts store to get it tested. Newer car models may have maintenance-free batteries that have a display window to show its state of charge. Weak batteries and those over five years old should be replaced in order to be ready for winter conditions.

Replace Wiper Blades

You’ll likely be using your windshield wipers much more in the rainy, snowy, or icy conditions winter brings, so it’s a good idea to check them for wear and tear. If you’re not sure if they need replaced, err on the side of caution and get new ones. It’s an inexpensive safeguard that can make a big difference in bad conditions.

Make Sure Fluids Are at the Proper Levels

Be sure to check your vehicle’s fluids before and during the winter season, including oil, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid. Consider purchasing windshield fluid with a de-icing agent to help improve visibility during the winter months.

Protect Paint

While your vehicle’s paint job may not mean much in the way of safety, not maintaining it properly can lead to rust and other issues that can degrade your vehicle and decrease its value. Apply a protective covering to help it resist salt and winter weather, and wash your vehicle periodically with a pressure washer during the winter months to remove salt, dirt, and debris.

Consider Winter Tires

Investing in winter tires (or snow tires) not only prolongs the life of your vehicle’s summer or all-weather tires, but it can also make your car easier and safer to drive. Winter tires are specially designed to grip the road better in icy, snowy, or wet conditions, and they force accumulated snow and slush away from the tires more effectively. You’ll be safer in bad conditions when worn tires or those with less traction are more prone to slippage and instability.

Check the Heating System

Check the car’s heating system to make sure the heat and defrost will work properly and that there’s no problem with the thermostat or heat core. Getting stuck without heat in freezing weather can be dangerous and costly.

By being proactive and taking steps to maintain your car, the vehicle will run better and you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve made your car as safe and reliable as possible. When bad winter driving conditions hit, your vehicle will be better prepared and you’ll be safer too.

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