Having properly working tires is one of the most important steps in winter car care. Without proper traction, your vehicle may slip or slide on snowy or icy roads. Tire treads wear down with use. If your tires are starting to look bald, consider getting new tires. All-season tires can handle winter road conditions, or you could install winter tires for the season. Cold temperatures affect tire pressure, so it’s important to regularly check the pressure. If your tire pressure light comes in, don’t want to put air in the tires as deflated tires can damage the tires, decrease gas mileage, and affect driving control. Deflated tires can also cause excess wear and tear. Now is also a good time to schedule a tire rotation.
Cold winter weather slows down your car battery, and when the temperatures are freezing, the battery loses strength. One of our top winter car care tips is to make sure you always have a fully charged car battery that’s in proper working order. You don’t want to risk getting stranded! If you’re seeing signs that the current battery needs to be replaced, don’t wait.
You don’t want to get packed up and ready to hit the road only to find out your heater isn’t working! An important part of winterizing your car is testing the heating system before the temperatures drop too low. This helps you see how long it takes for the inside of your vehicle to warm up and ensure the whole cabin feels heat. This is also a good opportunity to test your front and rear defrosters to ensure you can see clearly. Schedule a visit to the Whitten Brothers Automotive service center in Richmond or Ashland if you’re having issues with your heater or defroster.
Checking your wiper blades is another winter car care task that ensures you can see while driving around Petersburg and Chester. Inspect the rubber on your wiper blades as it may be dry or damaged if it’s been a while since you’ve replaced them. Also, note if your current wiper blades leave streaks on your windshield. This is also a sign that it’s time to replace them.
Another step to winterize your car is checking the brakes. With slick icy and snowy road conditions, correctly working brakes are a must. You might need new brakes if you’re hearing loud noises or you feel vibration when pressing the brake pedal. Our automotive service center can check out brakes and replace them if needed, and we use genuine OEM parts designed for your specific CDJR vehicle.
The next step in winter car care is checking all the fluid levels. To help your windshield wipers keep your windows clear, washer fluid should always be full. Engine coolant, or antifreeze, helps keep your engine running when the temperatures drop and protects the engine from rust and corrosion. Before winter starts, make sure the coolant levels are full. The antifreeze and water ratio should be kept at 50/50. When temperatures drop really low, you may need a ratio of 60/40 or 70/30. Our certified service technicians can help you with this car winterizing task. While you’re checking other fluids, check the oil and schedule an oil change.
Regular car washes are helpful to keep your vehicle’s exterior clean and free from dirt and debris. As we move from warmer weather to colder weather, take the time to get your car washed. As part of your winter car care, you should wash your vehicle frequently as salt can cause the exterior to rust quicker. If possible, avoid parking your car outside or on the street during the winter.
This may not be car maintenance specifically but preparing an emergency kit to keep in your vehicle is crucial when winterizing your car. Freezing temperatures can be dangerous if your battery dies or you’re stranded.
If you already have an emergency kit in your vehicle, check that it’s fully stocked. If you’re putting one together, these are some items to include:
Once you’ve completed winterizing your car, you’ll want to make sure you’re driving safely, especially during inclement winter weather.
Whitten Brothers Automotive service centers can help with all of your winter car care needs. We provide a range of car maintenance services from oil changes and tire rotations to battery replacements, fluid and filter checks, brake installations, and more. Our certified technicians are trained to work on CDJR vehicles and can complete the necessary steps to winterize your car. Contact us to learn more or schedule online, and be sure to check out our service and parts specials to save on your winter car care.