The winter months are hard on your car. Be prepared for the cold temps, ice, snow, and road salt by winterizing your vehicle for the season.
Our team of experts at Dave’s are happy to talk to you about the best way to winterize - but to get you started, here are some tips…
Visibility
- Check your wipers and replace the blades if rubber shows signs of age.
- Keep your windshield washer reservoir filled with a washer solution containing an antifreeze agent.
- Your car’s heater should be in good working order to get the windshield defrosted - and don’t forget that turning on the A/C helps to defog the vehicle, too.
- Check that lights are working properly and clear of ice and snow. In adverse winter weather you need optimum visibility at night and other motorists need to be able to see you.
Winter Tires
- Depending on the conditions you expect to be driving in, it's a good idea to replace summer/all-season tires with a set of winter tires, which are specially designed for dealing with slick winter roads.
- Ask your mechanic about mounting winter tires on inexpensive steel wheels. This additional step makes switching easier, plus protects your milder-weather wheels from damage caused by conditions on winter roads.
- If you’re thinking studded snow tires or tire chains, check if they're legal in your area before making the investment.
Battery
- Check that your battery is in as good condition as possible before winter hits (fluid level, charge level, etc) or ask your repair shop to test that everything is looking good.
Engine
- Check your owner's manual and plan oil changes to make sure your engine has the right grade of oil for the right time of year.
- Letting your car idle while you brush the snow off of it helps not just the cabin warm up, but the oil in the engine, too, allowing it to flow more efficiently.
- Keep an eye on the temperature gauge - remember, cars can still overheat in winter, especially if snow is clogging areas like the radiator grille.
Cooling System
- For many vehicles, the cooling system should be flushed at least every two years (check your owner's manual to be sure). If a flush is almost due, have it done before the cold weather hits.
Inside & Out
- The dirt and salt of winter is nobody’s friend. Protect your paint finish by giving your vehicle a fresh coat of wax before the snow starts falling.
- Wash your car regularly during the winter months, including the wheel wells and underbody to help fight the build-up of road salt.
- For maximum protection inside, invest in a set of all-weather rubber floor mats.
To discuss the winterization needs of your vehicle and how we can help, call us today!
Our Auto Repair Shop is happy to service the following cars:
Acura, Audi, Bmw, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Daewoo, Datsun, Dodge, Ford, Gmc, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Land-Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mercury, Mg, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Plymouth, Pontiac, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo.
