There is still plenty of winter weather to come so remember it’s important that not only are you up to the challenge of hazardous winter driving conditions but also that your car can continue to meet the challenge too! Preventative vehicle maintenance is important in any season, but your winter car maintenance checklist should include some extra attention. Ask your mechanic about the items that should be on the winter service checklist so that you don’t experience a breakdown out in the cold.
Here are 7 Items to add to your Winter Car Maintenance Checklist:
- Winter wipers – These wipers are equipped with rubber that keeps ice from collecting on them. They are heavier than regular wipers so remove them when spring arrives to prevent burning out the motor.
- Winter/snow tires -- If you have to do a lot of driving on snow, it may be wise to install winter tires. These tires use special compounds engineered to resist hardening in cold temperatures, providing better traction. You may want to keep chains in the trunk as well and know how to install them. Be sure to check the tread and air pressure regularly.
- Keep washer fluid reservoir full -- When driving in snow and ice, you will use a lot of windshield washer fluid. You may want to keep a spare bottle in the trunk.
- Winter safety kit – Include an ice scraper, bag of sand and a shovel, cell phone and charger, flares, extra antifreeze, flashlight, and batteries, toolkit, including jumper cables, and lug wrench and jacks for changing a tire, blankets and extra warm clothing and boots, plus non-perishable food and water.
- Keep up with regular vehicle maintenance – This is the most important precaution for safe winter driving. Have that needed oil change, a new battery, radiator inspection, and make sure you have the correct antifreeze to water ratio. Belts and hoses, spark plugs, wires and cables can go bad at any time of year, but if they go bad during the winter, you could be stranded in a very cold place for a very long time.
- Fill up the tank -- A full fuel tank can help prevent gas line freeze ups. And, if you get stranded, your engine may be the only thing to keep you warm until help arrives.
- Keep rear-window defroster in working order -- Being unable to see behind you could create unsafe driving conditions. Check your rear-window defroster to be sure it’s working properly.
A Word to the Wise: If the roads are too dangerous, stay home if at all possible. Don't risk an accident!
Need to know more about the winter car maintenance checklist? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about our vehicle maintenance services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN, proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, MN, and Otsego, Minnesota.
There is still plenty of winter weather to come so remember it’s important that not only are you up to the challenge of hazardous winter driving conditions but also that your car can continue to meet the challenge too! Preventative vehicle maintenance is important in any season, but your winter car maintenance checklist should include some extra attention. Ask your mechanic about the items that should be on the winter service checklist so that you don’t experience a breakdown out in the cold.
Here are 7 Items to add to your Winter Car Maintenance Checklist:
- Winter wipers – These wipers are equipped with rubber that keeps ice from collecting on them. They are heavier than regular wipers so remove them when spring arrives to prevent burning out the motor.
- Winter/snow tires -- If you have to do a lot of driving on snow, it may be wise to install winter tires. These tires use special compounds engineered to resist hardening in cold temperatures, providing better traction. You may want to keep chains in the trunk as well and know how to install them. Be sure to check the tread and air pressure regularly.
- Keep washer fluid reservoir full -- When driving in snow and ice, you will use a lot of windshield washer fluid. You may want to keep a spare bottle in the trunk.
- Winter safety kit – Include an ice scraper, bag of sand and a shovel, cell phone and charger, flares, extra antifreeze, flashlight, and batteries, toolkit, including jumper cables, and lug wrench and jacks for changing a tire, blankets and extra warm clothing and boots, plus non-perishable food and water.
- Keep up with regular vehicle maintenance – This is the most important precaution for safe winter driving. Have that needed oil change, a new battery, radiator inspection, and make sure you have the correct antifreeze to water ratio. Belts and hoses, spark plugs, wires and cables can go bad at any time of year, but if they go bad during the winter, you could be stranded in a very cold place for a very long time.
- Fill up the tank -- A full fuel tank can help prevent gas line freeze ups. And, if you get stranded, your engine may be the only thing to keep you warm until help arrives.
- Keep rear-window defroster in working order -- Being unable to see behind you could create unsafe driving conditions. Check your rear-window defroster to be sure it’s working properly.
A Word to the Wise: If the roads are too dangerous, stay home if at all possible. Don't risk an accident!
Need to know more about the winter car maintenance checklist? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about our vehicle maintenance services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN, proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, MN, and Otsego, Minnesota.
