The weather has been cold recently, and winter’s on its way. It’s time to think about winter car maintenance (or more accurately, winter car preventative maintenance) to keep your car running smoothly in cold weather. Here are a few things you should definitely check or have checked by a mechanic before the cold weather hits.
Tires
Tires is the thing most people think of when they think of winter car maintenance. Good tire treads are essential in driving on slippery roads. If your treads are worn, it’s a good idea to get new tires before the snow hits. You can also opt to switch out your all-season tires for winter tires, which are specially designed to get maximum traction on snow and ice.
Oil
Did you know that there is oil specially formulated for winter use? Oil tends to thicken when it gets cold, and oil with a W in its name (e.g. 5W-30) is designed to resist that. Next time you change your oil, make sure you replace it with a W-formulated oil.
Battery
Batteries tend to suffer a lot in cold weather. It’s a good idea to get yours tested before the weather starts dropping below freezing. You can have it professionally tested at an auto parts store or service shop. If your battery is defective or worn out, it’s time to replace it before you’re late for work with a car that won’t start.
Wiper blades
Wiper blades actually need changed more often than you think. If it’s been more than six months since you last replaced your wiper blades, it’s a good idea to do it now. New wiper blades are going to be much more effective clearing snow off your windshield.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze, also known as coolant, does exactly what its name says – it keeps your engine from freezing. Make sure your antifreeze is filled up. Most mechanics actually recommend a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water, as this makes the freezing point of your engine lower than it would with just antifreeze.
Emergency kit
This isn’t as much a winter car maintenance tip as a winter safety tip, but it’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car in case you get stranded. Your kit should at least include a blanket, a knife, jumper cables, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and a phone charger (the kind that hooks up to your vehicle’s cigarette lighter). It’s also a good idea to keep a snow shovel in your trunk, just in case.
