Winter driving conditions can be hazardous due to the snow and ice that accumulates on the road. It’s important that your car is ready for the challenge. If you are concerned about what car maintenance is really necessary for safe 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 have 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 car in the winter. If your battery is already having weak, your risk of breaking down increases. You may want to have a battery at or above 600 CCA installed for optimal winter performance.
- Cooling system – Typically, a ratio between 50/50 and 70/30 of antifreeze to water is sufficient. However, ask your mechanic which antifreeze should be used for your vehicle 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 inspection will ensure that they are providing the best stopping performance possible in winter conditions.
- Belts, hoses, spark plugs, wires, and 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 temperatures. 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 normally have intense winters.
- Maintain Tire Pressure – Every 10° change in ambient temperature could mean a gain or loss of 1 PSI. Check tire pressure more regularly during winter and add air as needed.
- Install Winter Wipers – These wipers use rubber that keeps ice 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 for safer winter driving? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about preventative vehicle maintenance and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
Winter driving conditions can be hazardous due to the snow and ice that accumulates on the road. It’s important that your car is ready for the challenge. If you are concerned about what car maintenance is really necessary for safe 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 have 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 car in the winter. If your battery is already having weak, your risk of breaking down increases. You may want to have a battery at or above 600 CCA installed for optimal winter performance.
- Cooling system – Typically, a ratio between 50/50 and 70/30 of antifreeze to water is sufficient. However, ask your mechanic which antifreeze should be used for your vehicle 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 inspection will ensure that they are providing the best stopping performance possible in winter conditions.
- Belts, hoses, spark plugs, wires, and 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 temperatures. 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 normally have intense winters.
- Maintain Tire Pressure – Every 10° change in ambient temperature could mean a gain or loss of 1 PSI. Check tire pressure more regularly during winter and add air as needed.
- Install Winter Wipers – These wipers use rubber that keeps ice 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 for safer winter driving? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about preventative vehicle maintenance and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
