Photo by Josh Hild on Unsplash
Fall and winter can be particularly difficult on your vehicles, especially with the weather we get here in Minnesota! That being said, it’s important to know when to get your car ready for the coming winter months, and that time is here. Keep reading to learn how to get your vehicle prepped and primed for the coming cold weather this year by going over these five important areas!
Tires:
Regardless of whether it snows or not in your location, you should make sure your tires have proper tread, tire pressure, and aren’t damaged or unevenly worn. Use the penny test to check your tire tread depth, and inspect around your tires for cracks, or if there are chunks and gouges in the walls of your tires. That will indicate they need replacing! It’s also a good idea to have your tires rotated and balanced.
When you live in an area that has temperatures regularly below 45 degrees fahrenheit, you may want to think about investing in some snow tires for the winter season. All-wheel drive can often come in handy when you accelerate, it won’t necessarily help you when braking or turning on a dime. Snow tires are built to withstand the harshest elements, and have greater traction, giving you more control overall. If you feel like you don’t need snow tires, but you do drive in the snow or on icy conditions, snow chains are a great investment. They’re easy to learn how to put on, and you can store them in your trunk when you don’t need them.
Battery
Your car’s battery takes a beating when the weather gets cold, as it becomes much more difficult for the battery to function in cold weather. If you have the equipment, perform a voltage test on your battery to ensure that it’s strong enough to get you through the rest of the winter months. If you don’t have the equipment to test your battery, you can easily get this checked out at your trusted auto repair shop of choice. Getting stuck out in the middle of nowhere in the winter can be dangerous, and it’s worth the quick check to avoid getting a costly tow!
Fluids
Your car needs some extra TLC during the winter months, and that includes your fluids! Antifreeze is essential for your engine during the winter, as it works to keep your engine from freezing in the cold. You’ll want to ensure your coolant levels are high, and that there are no cracks or leaks that might be present. You should also keep an eye on your windshield washer fluid, as well as get an oil change to be safe.
Headlights, Taillights, and Bulbs
During the winter, as days get shorter, that also means less sunlight during the day. You should go through all your lights, including those inside your passenger cabin, to double check that there are no blown light bulbs or signals. With visibility at its worst while on the road, and weather that can change at a moment’s notice, you should do everything you can to keep your visibility - and everyone else’s ability to see you - as a top priority. If you do need to have any lights or bulbs replaced, the pros at AutoPro Auto Service can take care of it for you!
Windshield Wipers
While on the subject of visibility, it’s time to talk about your windshield wipers. There’s nothing worse than a squeaky windshield wiper, except one that doesn’t do its job! While your windshield wipers should be regularly replaced every six months to a year, you’ll also want to inspect them for damage. Check them over for cracks, brittleness, and any potential chips or chunks missing from the rubber blades. You should also always remember to bring along an ice scraper in your car emergency kit, so you don’t have to sit and wait for your defroster!
Now that you’ve got a general idea of how to prepare your car for the winter season, it’s time to give the AutoPro Auto Service team a call to take the worry out of the whole process! For all your auto repair, preventive maintenance, and car winterization needs, schedule an appointment with AutoPro Auto Service today to keep your vehicle performing at its best. We are conveniently located at 7901 W. River Road in Brooklyn Park, MN.