There are a lot of things to do to prepare your car before winter comes. You must prepare your car to take on whatever the winter months will throw at you. Here at Treasure Valley Auto Care, we will be sharing a blog post discussing eleven car maintenance tips during winter. If you think this will be beneficial for you, make sure to keep reading below to find out more information.
Winter tires
When driving your car during winter, the roads can become slippery when ice forms due to extreme cold weather. You have to change your car’s regular tires into your winter tires. Winter tires can help you drive safely on icy roads. During the winter months, you have to check your tires and make sure they are properly inflated and still have good tread.
Keep the car clean
Winter brings with it a host of road conditions such as snow, ice, salt, and mud, which can take a toll on your car. To keep it in good condition, it’s essential to wash it regularly. To prevent build-up, it’s best to wash your car before it has a chance to accumulate. Regular cleaning can also prevent rust from forming. Additionally, be sure to check and clean the tires and front grille of your car to prevent dirt buildup.
Check the oil
To ensure your car runs smoothly during the winter months, it’s important to check and maintain proper oil levels. Your car’s owner manual will provide information on the recommended oil type to optimize performance. It is generally recommended to change your car oil every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, although some cars may require it every 6,000 miles or every 6 months.
Check the windshield wipers
During the winter, it’s crucial to use windshield wiper fluid that is designed for low temperatures and can effectively de-ice the windshield. Regularly check the wiper fluid container to ensure it’s always full.
Additionally, be sure to install winter windshield wipers, which have a rubber that prevents ice from accumulating on the wipers. Remember to remove these wipers when spring arrives, as they are heavier and can put a strain on the windshield wiper motor. To ensure optimal visibility, it’s important to check your windshield wipers regularly and replace them if necessary.
Check the car heaters
When the cold months come, you must make sure that your car has a functional heater so you can stay warm inside while driving around. You must also check the defrosting mechanism of your windshield so you can keep your view clear to drive safely without your vision being obscured by snow.
Check the car radiator
The car radiator needs to have antifreeze at the right level to prevent the liquid from freezing or having a build-up that could result in a leak or cause the car transmission to break down. The radiator and antifreeze must be checked ahead of time to prevent the issues we have mentioned from happening.
Start the car regularly
If you do not use your car every day during winter you must start it at least once a week. This will make sure that the fluids of the car are moving in the engine to keep it in good working condition.
Check the car battery
Winter is the time to ensure that your car’s battery is in good working condition and fully charged. A dead battery in the middle of nowhere can be a frustrating and dangerous situation. Have your battery checked by a professional technician at an auto care shop to avoid any potential issues.
Keep the gas tank half full
You must gas up more often during winter. A full gas tank in winter means it can reduce condensation and prevent the gas line from freezing up.
Check the rear-window defroster
Not being able to see behind you while driving is not safe. The windows of your car must be clear of condensation and debris which occurs frequently during winter. The rear window defroster must be checked regularly to make sure that it is functioning properly.
Visit an auto repair shop for winter car maintenance
Here are some of the important winter maintenance services that an auto care shop offers.
- Battery – The car battery will decrease when the temperature becomes colder. It will require more power for your car to start during winter. If your car battery is having problems, it is prone to breaking down during winter. You must ask an auto care shop to install a battery at or above 600 CCA to ensure your car will have optimal winter performance.
- Cooling system – The ratio of antifreeze to water must be 50/50 or 70/30. Make sure to ask a professional car technician about what antifreeze to use for your car especially if you are unsure about the coolant to water ratio to prevent corrosion and freezing issues from happening.
- Brakes – Icy roads can be slippery for your car, make sure that your car brakes are fully functional when driving in winter.
- Belts, cables, hoses, spark plugs, and wires – You must ask your car technician to check everything so they can be changed before winter comes.
If you are based in Garden City, Idaho, you must visit a reliable auto care shop like Treasure Valley Auto Care. You must ensure that your car is in good hands and ready for the winter months. If you need help with tire installation or any other winter vehicle maintenance necessities, you can rely on us.
If you want to set an appointment with us or if you have any inquiries regarding the services we are currently offering, please contact us anytime. We are looking forward to hearing from you! If you have any questions or inquiries regarding our shop or the services that we are currently offering, please let us know.
You can call us at 208-385-0339 or send an email to quality@treasurevalleyautocare.com. Our auto repair shop is located at 04 W 35th St Garden City, ID 83714. What are you waiting for? Contact us today!