In winter, car problems seem to get worse. The battery may not work properly, or the tire may lose pressure. Wiper problems are also more common in cold weather.
These are just some of the problems encountered by car owners in winter. But the good news is that all problems are preventable. You only need to maintain the proper frequency for winter maintenance of the car.
To ensure that your vehicle is ready for winter, please include the following 7 items in the winter maintenance service list.
1. Car battery
As we said before, if your vehicle cannot start in cold weather, you have two options. The first is to wait for someone to tow your vehicle so that you can repair it.
The second method is to use your own jumper cable for DIY, and you also need the help of other drivers. Either way, you need to recharge the car’s battery.
Rather than checking the battery won't let you start the vehicle, check the battery and check the charging system. If the battery has been used for more than three years, the battery should also be replaced.
2. Tires
Did you know that for every 9F drop in temperature, tires lose pressure (one pound)? You don't want to drive in the snow with underinflated tires.
In addition to regularly checking the tire pressure and making sure to reset it to the manufacturer's recommended PSI, don't forget to check and fix the alignment of the wheels. This will help prevent problems such as poor fuel economy, lack of a comfortable driving experience, and uneven tire wear.
You should also consider investing in winter tires. These don't just provide extra traction. They also help to brake and maneuver in extreme weather conditions such as ice, snow and slush.
3. Coolant
Checking the level of coolant or antifreeze is an important part of vehicle winter maintenance. When the weather gets cold, the liquid will thicken. Of course, this will affect the normal function of vehicle parts.
The general rule (at least for older cars) is to flush and refill the coolant every two years. For newer cars, it may take up to five years. You can confirm the instruction manual.
Now, if you follow the vehicle's maintenance schedule, you can get a pass for the service. However, if you do not observe the maintenance interval or are not satisfied with the coolant used, you need to flush and refill the coolant.
4. Brakes
No matter what season, any car owner should ensure that the braking system is in the best condition. However, if you are unwilling to check the brakes regularly, at least in the winter season.
Driving on snow-covered roads is already tricky. Do not ignore the brake system and increase the risk.
And remember what we said about fluid thickening in cold weather. Add the brake fluid to the list of things you need to check. Even if it has not been checked by a professional, don't just add it.
You may also need to replace the brake pads or other parts, especially when there is a harsh sound or groan while braking.
5. Engine oil
Likewise, because oil is a fluid, you need to include it in the winter maintenance checklist. Maintaining a good clean oil is always the best choice for normal operation in winter.
If you do not change the oil yourself, please ask the person performing this repair to use only the oil of the weight and viscosity recommended by the factory. You can also consider using synthetic oils permanently.
Yes, it costs more. But it is a better product that can extend service life, improve wear resistance and improve winter performance (because it is less affected by temperature changes). In some cases, it can even lead to better fuel economy.
Please note that once you commit to making this change, you must stick to it. You don’t want to switch back and forth.
Have the mechanic also check the oil filter. You want to make sure that your oil filter can effectively capture contaminants such as dust, metal or carbon. This will ensure that your engine remains clean, healthy and suitable for winter use.
6. Wiper
No matter how smooth your driving situation is, if visibility becomes an issue, you will not be able to perform to your best. This is why a fully functional wiper blade is required when it rains or snows.
Now, the wiper blade can usually be used for one year. In winter, you should consider using "beam blade" wipers because the external springs of these wipers will not freeze.
In addition to replacing the wiper, you can also take preventive maintenance tips yourself. These measures include popping out the wiper and turning off the wiper when parking. The latter will ensure that you will not burn the wiper motor.
7. Lamp
This may seem trivial detail, but on a cold dark day, you will appreciate every lumens that can be shot from the light.
You can make sure that all lenses are free of dirt. If your lens is blurry, please consider a repair service. You should also replace any non-working or dim bulbs.
In addition to the ones mentioned above, don't forget the heater and defroster of your vehicle. You also need an expert to check your exhaust system. Don't forget the danger of exhausting smoke in a car.
In order to increase safety, please make sure that you have prepared emergency kits and prepared inventory. Bring all items including gloves, boots, blankets and torches. Other handy tools include a small shovel, flashlight, spare batteries, snacks, and of course a mobile phone charger.
One last thing. If we can give car owners a suggestion, then don't neglect regular routine maintenance.
We know that it sounds like a record-breaking. But doing so can do wonders for your fuel consumption and wallet. Don't wait until minor problems become headaches.
Do you need to perform winter maintenance on your car?
In order for your vehicle to attract attention in winter, there are many things to pay attention to. Please perform regular maintenance regularly to simplify operations. When you complete the basics as quickly as possible, you can avoid costly problems in the future.
We also provide a large number of articles about car repair and maintenance to help your car, truck or SUV operate normally throughout the year.