Preventive maintenance is a must no matter the season, but it’s especially important during the winter. Harsh, cold weather can take a toll on your car, while icy roads and snowy weather pose serious driving challenges. Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to prepare your vehicle for the winter ahead.
Check Your Fluid Levels
There’s no overstating the importance of having the proper fluids in the right amounts in your vehicle. If possible, make a checklist of the essential fluids your car needs to roll on safely and reliably – engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, antifreeze/coolant, etc. Make sure these fluids are present in the correct amounts for your vehicle. Don’t forget to check for leaks, as leaking fluids could indicate a more serious issue.
In addition to checking fluid levels, there are other fluid-related things you should also do:
• Check your oil viscosity. Cold weather thickens oil, making it harder to circulate throughout your engine even when it’s warmed up. Some vehicles recommend switching to a lower-viscosity oil during the winter months for peak performance.
• Switch to a winter-grade windshield washer fluid. The last thing you want is a solid block of ice inside of your windshield washer fluid reservoir. While a few cars have nifty ways of defrosting washer fluid, you’re better off switching to a blend that’s specifically formulated for use in freezing temps.
• Schedule an oil change if you haven’t already done one. Fresh engine oil gives your engine a better chance of holding up throughout the winter months. Consider having your brake fluid, power steering fluid, and engine coolant flushed or changed if needed or according to your normal service schedule.
Check Your Battery
Winter can be harsh on car batteries, but more so when said batteries are past their prime. Before cold weather settles in for good, have a professional take a close look at your battery. Not only do you want a physical inspection for obvious signs of problems, including corrosion and leaks, but also a comprehensive test to ensure it still has enough cold cranking amps to start your vehicle in freezing temps.
Has it been a while since you last replaced your battery? If it’s been four years or more, then replace it with a fresh, new battery before it leaves you stranded in the dead of winter. Most batteries have a three- to five-year lifespan before they’re no longer able to hold a charge.
Check Your Tires
Pay close attention to the current state of your tires. After all, those four strips of rubber wrapped around your wheels are your only contact with the road. Here’s what you can do to keep your tires in excellent shape:
• Check the tread depths. A dedicated depth gauge works, but you can also use the penny method in a pinch. Just insert the penny upside down into the tread groove with Honest Abe’s visage facing you. If you can see the top of his head, then it’s time to replace your tires.
• Check for abnormal wear. Problems like worn shocks and/or bushings, misalignment, or unbalanced wheels can cause tires to wear out in strange ways. If you see signs of unusual tread wear, have a technician look into it soon.
• Check for signs of damage. Look for any cuts, cracks, curb rash, or punctures. If you see any of these, consider replacing that tire as soon as possible.
• Check your tire pressures. Grab a tire pressure gauge and make sure your tires are inflated within your vehicle’s recommended specs. A quick look at the “Tire and Loading Information” placard on the driver’s side door jamb or “B-pillar” will tell you the appropriate PSI for each tire.
• Look out for dry rot. Tires can dry out and crack apart as they age. Replace dry rotted tires as soon as possible, as a blowout could occur otherwise.
• Consider switching to snow tires. Plan on doing a lot of driving in snowy regions? Then you’ll want to swap your summer or all-season tires to winter tires. Winter tires offer better traction on snowy and icy roads, as well as in below-freezing temperatures.
Have Your Brakes Inspected
Bad brakes can lead to worse outcomes on snowy roads, which is why you’ll want them inspected before hitting the road this winter. In addition to checking for brake pad and shoe wear, make sure the brake rotors and drums are properly turned with minimal signs of rust and/or corrosion. These issues can lead to longer stopping distances as well as increased vibration and brake shudder on hard braking.
Make Sure You Can See the Road Ahead
Yes, outward visibility is still a thing, more so when there’s piles of snow on your car with more to come shortly. Needless to say, you’ll need the following if you want to see where you’re headed this winter:
• Check and, if necessary, change your bulbs. Conduct a walkaround of your vehicle with the lights on and make sure every exterior bulb works.
• Replace your windshield wiper blades. If possible, upgrade to winter blades designed to withstand harsh winter conditions.
• Check your windshield for signs of physical damage. If you see any cracks or chips, plan on having your windshield fixed or replaced soon.
• Consider using a headlight restoration kit. You’ll need one of these if your headlight lenses are clouded up and tough to pass light through.
Wash and Wax Your Ride
A complete wash and wax does more than make your vehicle look good. It also removes unwanted contaminants that could go on to damage your vehicle’s paint finish. Don’t forget to add wax after washing your car. Wax adds a protective barrier that keeps road salt and other nasties off of the paint finish.