A Winter Car Care Guide: Essential Tips for a Safe and Reliable Drive
‘Tis the season. Keep your car safe, reliable and ready.
Winter weather can be hard on your vehicle. Cold temperatures, snow, ice and road salt all increase the chances of breakdowns and unsafe driving conditions. Use these simple tips to stay safe and keep your car running smoothly all season long.
1. Check your tires
Install winter tires for better grip and braking.
Check tire pressure regularly – cold weather can reduce psi.
Replace tires if tread is worn down or uneven.
2. Test your battery
Cold temperatures weaken batteries. Have your battery tested if you notice:
- slow engine cranking
- dim headlights
- battery is more than three years old.
3. Check fluids
Ensure your coolant/antifreeze is at the proper strength.
Use winter-grade washer fluid to prevent freezing.
4. Replace wiper blades
Winter wipers are designed to handle snow and ice. If your current blades streak, skip or chatter, it’s time for new ones.
5. Build a winter emergency kit
Keep these items in your trunk just in case:
- blanket
- flashlight
- gloves
- ice scraper
- small shovel
- booster cables
- bag of sand or kitty litter for traction
6. Warm up your car properly
Your vehicle only needs about 30 seconds of warmup before you can drive gently. Long idling wastes fuel and doesn’t warm the engine faster.
7. Get a winter inspection
A seasonal inspection helps prevent mid-winter breakdowns.
Typical check includes:
- brakes
- battery
- tires
- lights
- fluids
- heating and defrost
- belts and hoses
- wiper blades
- steering and suspension
We are here to help you stay safe while out on the roads. It’s always a good idea to get a winter inspection!
