10 Tips to Avoid Winter Breakdowns: Cold Weather Auto Maintenance
Winter weather can be tough on vehicles. Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can strain your car’s systems, leaving you stranded if you’re not prepared and dealing with unexpected breakdowns.
By performing winter auto maintenance before the storms and cold weather hits, you can keep your car running smoothly and safely throughout the season. Check out 10 easy tips to avoid winter breakdowns this season and prepare for cold weather auto maintenance.
10 Tips for Winter Car Maintenace
1. Check Your Battery
Cold weather can weaken your car battery and drain it quicker than you expect. Ensure your battery is fully charged, clean the terminals, and consider replacing it if it’s over three years old.
To maintain your car battery in winter, always leave time to warm up your car and test the battery, keep jumper cables in your car in case of an emergency, and store your car in a garage when possible.
2. Inspect and Replace Tires
You want to check that your tires have adequate tread depth (at least 4/32″) and are properly inflated when winter hits. Winter weather can be hard on tires, especially icy roads and snowy conditions. Consider winter tires for better traction on snow and ice if heavy storms are expected in your area.
Schedule a tire service at Lisbon Auto Center in Maryland to ensure road safety before any holiday trips or commutes to work this season.
3. Top Off Fluids
Before winter hits, you want to be sure your car has enough coolant, windshield washer fluid, and oil. Check your car care guide and use winter-grade oil if your car requires it. By topping off fluids and switching to cold weather supplies, you can avoid freezing water or fluids in your washer tank and other lines that could crack and damage the car.
4. Test Your Antifreeze
Make sure every winter you check the antifreeze mixture (usually 50/50 with water) is sufficient to prevent freezing in low temperatures. If your antifreeze is low or mixed improperly, the coolant in your engine could freeze. Freezing fluids in the engine can cause cracks, leaks, and major damage that can lead to major engine repairs.
5. Examine Your Brakes
Have your brake pads, rotors, and overall braking system inspected each winter. You are checking that they function effectively in slippery conditions. Worn brake pads can be a hazard in icy conditions, when you don’t have a lot of traction for slowing and stopping.
Drop into Lisbon Auto Repair Center or your local auto shop to get a quote on brake repairs this winter. You want to be sure your vehicle is equipped with the proper pads and rotors for smooth and safe braking, even in hazardous conditions.
6. Inspect Belts and Hoses
Cold weather can cause rubber components to become brittle, like belts and hoses that are responsible for helping your engine run properly. Replace any cracked or worn belts and hoses before temperatures dip below freezing.
You can inspect your belts and hoses visually by popping the hood, but if you’re worried about anything you see – or that is hidden under other parts – schedule a car inspection for a thorough check-up. Reputable auto shops with 5-star reviews will only recommend winter car maintenance that you need and can avoid costly upsells.
7. Check Wiper Blades
Replace old or worn windshield wipers as part of your winter car maintenance and check your washer nozzles are clear. Always use winter-grade washer fluid to prevent freezing in the hoses.
If you notice your wiper blades are worn or cracked, replace them before you hit the road. Freezing rain and slush can quickly clog a windshield without working wiper blades. Defrosting and cleaning supplies can only work so well against freezing conditions and your wiper blades ensure visibility in bad conditions.
8. Keep Your Fuel Tank Full
A full gas tank in winter helps prevent moisture from freezing in the fuel lines and keeps you prepared for emergencies. Whenever possible, keep your gas tank about 1 / 4 full so you are never left without fuel in an emergency situation.
Remember, icy conditions can lead to more accidents and unexpected road closures, so always prepare for a longer route than expected and have a full tank to help navigate new routes.
9. Monitor Heating and Defrosting Systems
Your heater and defrost system are critical for winter car maintenance. This is what helps clear your windshield and rear-view window for maximum visibility. During long drives, especially at night, defrost systems will clear away ice so it doesn’t have a chance to build in humid conditions.
And while some drivers don’t think a heater is worth fixing, repairing a heater is about comfort and safety for both you and your car. Always get your heater repaired ASAP by visiting a local auto shop and asking about winter car maintenance to prepare for commutes and holiday trips.
10. Keep Emergency Supplies in Your Car
At the end of the day, you always want your winter car maintenance to include restocking your emergency supplies. Stock your car with an ice scraper, jumper cables, flashlight, blanket, gloves, water, snacks, and a first-aid kit.
Winter can be hazardous in Maryland, leaving drivers facing unexpected blockages, accidents, icy conditions, and backroads. Have everything you need in the trunk or backseat so you are prepared to get to safety and call for help.
Schedule Winter Auto Maintenance Today in Maryland
Lisbon Auto Repair Center is a 5-star rated auto shop in Lisbon, Maryland. We are known for our customer-first service, fast response time, honest inspections, and affordable prices. We want everyone to stay on the road safely and have a trusted home base for auto repairs this winter.
Call today to schedule an auto repair or general winter auto maintenance inspection to see if your car is ready for holiday travel. Together, we’ll keep you safely on the road and prepared for seasonal weather.
