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Winter! That magical season when roads become ice rinks, car batteries go on strike, and windshield wipers prefer to be anywhere but work. If you’ve ever scraped frost off your windshield with a credit card because you forgot your scraper, you know what we mean. One of the best ways to ensure a smooth and secure drive is through proper winter car maintenance. Don’t worry! Here are some tips from us that will help you get your car winter-ready, so you can avoid the headache of a breakdown when it’s freezing outside.
Show Your Battery Some Care (Before It Lets You Down) Cold weather weakens car batteries. As the temperature drops, your battery struggles more to start the engine. You don’t want to end up stuck in a parking lot with a dead battery while snow builds up around you.
Winter car maintenance tip #1: Check your battery before it gets too cold. Think about getting a new one if it’s over three years old. Keep jumper cables in your car (or even better, buy a portable jump starter). Your battery might decide to quit working when you least expect it during winter.
Check Those Tires—Because Ice Skating is for Rinks, Not Roads. Tires are your car’s shoes, and in winter, you need the right footwear. Summer or worn-out all-season tires might as well be ballet slippers on an icy road. Not a good look. Switch to winter tires. They’re designed to grip cold, slippery surfaces better than all seasons. Check the tread depth. If it’s below 2/32 of an inch, it’s time for new tires. Keep an eye on tire pressure. Cold weather makes air molecules shrink, leading to underinflated tires. And underinflated tires equal less traction.
Winter car maintenance tip #2, Check tire tread and switch to winter tires for better traction. Also, monitor tire pressure as cold weather can cause it to drop.
Your vehicle contains many fluids that need to withstand cold temperatures in winter. Antifreeze: The name speaks for itself. Ensure you have an equal mix of antifreeze and water to prevent your engine from freezing. Windshield Washer Fluid: Standard fluid freezes quicker than bare hands in the cold. Opt for winter-grade washer fluid to avoid spreading salt and grime across your windshield. Oil Change: Cold temperatures make motor oil thicker, which causes problems for your engine’s smooth operation. Think about changing to an oil suitable for winter (refer to your owner’s manual for suggestions).
Winter Car Maintenance Tip#3: Check and top up oil, brake fluid, antifreeze, and washer fluid to ensure smooth operation and prevent freezing
Worn-out windshield wipers are one of the most common reasons people get caught in a storm with poor visibility. Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition and replace them if they’re leaving streaks or making squeaky noises. In winter, it’s essential to have wiper blades that can handle the snow and ice without giving up halfway through your drive. Also, keep your wiper fluid reservoir filled up with winter-grade fluid that can withstand freezing temperatures.
Winter Car Maintenance Tip#4: Ensure your windshield wipers are in good condition—replace them if they leave streaks or squeak. Also, keep your wiper fluid reservoir filled with wintergrade fluid to handle snow and ice.
Braking performance can create or break its protection on slippery roads. Check your brakes to ensure that they are working effectively. Worn-out pads or defective brake systems can seriously reduce your ability to stop in time, which is dangerous, especially in winter conditions. If you hear a strange noise when you apply your brakes, or if they feel soft or unresponsive, check them before going out in the cold.
Winter Car Maintenance Tip#5: Check your brakes regularly. Worn pads or issues can reduce stopping power on slippery roads, so get them checked if you hear strange noises or feel unresponsiveness.
We know,—you’re in a hurry, but please spend an extra couple of minutes clearing ALL the snow and ice off your car before you take off. It’s not enough to just scrape the windows— brush the snow off your roof, headlights, and taillights too. Snow on the roof can fly onto your windshield while you drive (or worse, into someone else’s), and it’s a hazard for other drivers when chunks of ice or snow go flying.
Winter Car Maintenance Tip#6: Always clear snow and ice from your car, including the roof, headlights, and taillights, to ensure safety and avoid legal issues.
Speaking of visibility, your windshield and auto glass are more important than ever during the winter months. If you have any chips or cracks in your windshield, the cold can cause them to expand, making the problem worse. A small crack can quickly turn into a major issue if left unchecked, so get it repaired as soon as possible. At Auto Glass Canada, we specialize in ensuring your auto glass is in top condition, so you can drive safely without any distracting or dangerous cracks obstructing your view.
Winter Car Maintenance Tip#7: Inspect your windshield for cracks or chips—cold weather can worsen them. Get them repaired quickly for clear visibility and safer driving.
By following these winter car maintenance tips, you will give yourself the best chance to stay safe and safe on the road. From checking your battery to inspecting your brake, these simple stages can protect you from too much stress (and expensive repair) below the road. After all, the colder it becomes, the more difficult it is on your car, so show your vehicle a little TLC this winter.
And if you find yourself dealing with windshield cracks, chips, or any other auto glass issues, then Auto Glass Canada has your back. We will ensure that your view is clear, and your car remains in the top shape. Stay safe, drive with confidence, and don’t let the winter hold the guard!
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