What Car Maintenance is Really Necessary for Winter Driving?

 

Winter driving conditions can be risky due to the snow and ice that accumulates on the road. It’s vital that your vehicle is ready for the challenge.  If you’re concerned about what car maintenance is really necessary for winter driving, the first step is to have the recommended preventative vehicle maintenance items taken care of before winter arrives in full force.  If you’ve not yet taken care of the following items, now is the time!  

• Battery – Battery power decreases as the temperature drops so it takes more power to start your vehicle in the winter. If your battery is already having weak, your hazard of breaking down increases. You may want to have a battery at or above 600 CCA installed for optimal winter performance.
• Cooling system – Normally, a ratio between 50/50 and 70/30 of antifreeze to water is sufficient.  Though, ask your auto mechanic which antifreeze should be used for your car and the appropriate coolant-to-water ratio to prevent corrosion and potential freezing.
• Brakes – Cold weather doesn’t necessarily affect your brakes, but a thorough checkup will ensure that they are providing the best stopping performance possible in winter conditions.
• Belts, spark plugs, hoses, wires & cables – Although these can go bad any time of year, make sure they are in good condition so you are stranded somewhere in the cold.
• Tires – Switch to winter tires are advisable if you live in a place that experiences extremely cold weather.  The rubber compounds in non-winter tires harden in freezing temperatures, decreasing the tire’s ability to grip the road. Winter tires are made with special compounds engineered to resist hardening in cold temperatures, which offers better traction in ice, snow, slush, and even dry pavement.  All-season tires are sufficient if you live in an area that doesn’t usually have intense winters. 
• Maintains Tire Pressure – Every 10° change in ambient temperature could mean a gain or loss of 1 PSI. Inspect tire pressure more regularly during winter and add air as needed. 
• Install Winter Wipers – These wipers use rubber that keeps snow from collecting on the blades. As winter wipers are heavier than regular ones, remove them when springs arrive to decrease the load on the wiper motor.
• Keep Washer Fluid Full – Refill the washer reservoir frequently with windshield wiper fluid formulated for winter conditions.

Need to know more about what car maintenance is really necessary? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about preventative vehicle maintenance and to request an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves car owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.