Winter is Here – Is Your Car Ready?
As winter descends it’s not too late to think about preparing your car if you haven’t already. At AAMCO Minnesota we know the importance of thinking and planning ahead for winter. There are many things you should consider before the first big freeze or snowfall, and we’ve compiled an easy checklist. Come to AAMCO Minnesota for a Courtesy Vehicle Check to make sure your car is in good shape for the coming cold.
Prepare Your Car for Winter Checklist
✔ First and foremost, check your car owner’s manual for recommended services and schedules. If you’re up to date on your maintenance checklist, the following list of items should be relatively easy to cover. Bring your car to a nearby AAMCO Minnesota location for help in winterizing your car!
✔ Get those nagging issues you’ve been putting up with all summer looked at and fixed. Things such as hard starts, rough idling, stalling, lack of power, bumpy or vibrating driving are all made worse by cold winter weather.
✔ You’ve heard it before, and you’ll hear it again – change your oil and filter. As mentioned above, if you’re up to date on your scheduled maintenance items, then this is probably already checked off.
✔ Check and replace filters, such as oil, air, fuel, transmission, and positive crankcase ventilation (PCV). That last one is inexpensive and often overlooked, but can cause oil leaks and other problems. Generally, a poorly running engine is not efficient and uses more gas.
✔ Flush the cooling system. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked occasionally. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is usually recommended, but check your car owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
✔ Belts, hoses, and clamps should be checked for tightness and wear and tear. If their condition is questionable, it’s best to have them replaced, as cold temperatures has adverse effects on rubber and other materials, jeopardizing their performance. If a hose or belt is already worn, cold temperatures will increase the likelihood that they’ll break.
✔ Have your battery checked with professional equipment. A weak battery will only get worse and die in cold weather, possibly leaving you stranded. AAMCO diagnostics can determine the status and reliability of your battery.
✔ Something you might not think about until the first cold snap is the heater and defroster. Make sure they are in good working condition – not only for the sake of comfort, but for the sake of being able to see through the windows and drive safely. If you can’t defog and defrost your windows, you’re not going far.
✔ Inspect all exterior and interior lights. Always keep exterior lights clean and replace any burned out bulbs.
✔ Get new wiper blades. If you’ve had those wiper blades all summer, just replace them and give yourself the peace of mind that you’re all set for the snow, slush, and mess of winter driving. And while you’re at it, fill the windshield wiper fluid and keep a jug in the trunk.
✔ Moisture and rust from previous seasons might have created weaknesses or holes in your exhaust system. Have it inspected and avoid the risk of fumes coming into the car or other problems that might affect your car’s performance.
✔ Check your tires for remaining tread life, as well as uneven wear. Refer the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper inflation. The old myth that tire pressure should be reduced in the winter time to maximize traction is just that – a myth.
✔ Have your brakes checked for wear – rotors, calipers, pads, pistons. Have the whole system checked to avoid any safety issues. Reliable brakes won’t really help you stop faster on ice, but will help you maintain control of your car in other winter driving conditions, such as slush or snowpack, as well as in a lot of situations in all seasons.
✔ Last, but not least, schedule an appointment with your local AAMCO Minnesota shop to have your car’s transmission checked. Though you might not think of it, and nothing may seem wrong with your transmission or with the way your car is driving, a pre-winter transmission checkup can help prevent costly breakdowns and repairs in the freezing months.
AAMCO Minnesota Can Help You Prepare Your Car for Winter
Avoid having your car in the shop for lengthy repairs during the bitter winter months. It’s already hard to get around in the cold weather, but even worse without your own trusty car. AAMCO Minnesota can help make sure that doesn’t happen – make an appointment today!