Winter has a way of showing up quickly. One day you're enjoying mild fall weather, and the next you're scraping ice off your windshield and wondering if your car is ready for the cold.
Cold temperatures can be hard on your vehicle, especially when the battery, tires, fluids, and other components are already showing signs of wear.
Before winter weather arrives, take a few minutes to make sure your vehicle is ready for the colder months ahead.
1. Check Your Battery
Cold weather can be tough on your battery. A battery that seems fine on a warm fall morning may struggle when temperatures drop.
If your vehicle has been slow to start, you're hearing clicking when you turn the key, or your battery is getting older, it's a good idea to have it tested before winter.
A battery check is much easier in the shop than sitting in a cold parking lot waiting for a jump!
2. Check Your Tires
Your tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle when roads are wet, icy, or snowy.
Before winter, check:
Remember that tire pressure can decrease as temperatures drop. Your tire pressure light may come on simply because of the colder weather.
If your tires are getting worn, winter is a good time to replace them rather than waiting until you're dealing with poor traction on a snowy road.
3. Don't Forget Your Wipers
Being able to see the road is just as important as being able to stop.
Snow, rain, road spray, and dirty windshields can quickly make visibility difficult. If your wipers are leaving streaks, skipping across the windshield, or simply aren't clearing the glass like they used to, it may be time for a new set.
Also make sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid rated for cold temperatures.
4. Check Your Coolant
Your cooling system doesn't just keep your engine from overheating in the summer. Coolant also protects your engine from freezing during cold weather.
Before winter, make sure your coolant is at the proper level and that the mixture is capable of protecting your vehicle in freezing temperatures.
If your coolant hasn't been serviced in a long time, ask about having the system checked.
5. Check Your Lights
Winter means shorter days and longer nights. Add snow, rain, fog, and poor visibility, and having properly working lights becomes even more important.
Check your:
Headlights
Brake lights
Turn signals
Hazard lights
Tail lights
Fog lights, if equipped
Cloudy or hazy headlights can also reduce how well you see at night. If your headlights look yellow or foggy, restoration may help improve visibility.
6. Check Your Brakes
You don't want to discover a brake problem when you're trying to stop on a slick road.
Pay attention to warning signs such as:
If something doesn't feel right, have it checked before winter driving conditions make the problem worse.
7. Make Sure Your Heater and Defroster Work
A working heater isn't just about staying comfortable.
Your defroster helps keep your windshield clear when temperatures drop. If your heater isn't blowing warm air, your windshield isn't defrosting properly, or the airflow doesn't seem right, have the system checked before the first really cold morning.
8. Check Your Belts, Hoses & Fluids
Winter is a good time for a general inspection. A worn belt or hose that is already showing signs of failure doesn't necessarily get better when temperatures drop.
Having your vehicle inspected can help identify potential problems with:
Catching a small problem now could help prevent a much bigger headache later.
9. Don't Forget Your Emergency Kit
Even with good maintenance, winter driving can be unpredictable.
Consider keeping a small emergency kit in your vehicle with items such as:
If you're traveling through snowy or rural areas, it's especially important to be prepared for unexpected delays.
A Little Preparation Can Go a Long Way
Winter driving can be hard enough without worrying about whether your vehicle is going to start, whether your tires have enough tread, or whether your heater will keep your windshield clear.
Taking care of routine maintenance before the cold weather arrives can give you greater peace of mind and help your vehicle handle the winter months ahead.
Is Your Vehicle Winter Ready?
At Dickerson Automotive in Spanish Fork, we're here to help you get your vehicle ready for the season. From tires and batteries to brakes, fluids, lights, and general maintenance, our team can help identify potential problems before they leave you stranded in the cold.
Don't wait for the first freezing morning to find out your car isn't ready for winter. Schedule your winter inspection today and hit the road with confidence!