Winter maintenance essentials
Winter weather may be out of your control, but you can control getting your vehicle winter-ready for whatever the season brings. Complete these essential winter maintenance tasks to keep your vehicle running smoothly in cold weather.
Battery test
Winter can be especially harsh on your car’s battery. You can lower your chances of needing jump starts this season by having a battery health check at your local service centre before heading out on any winter wonderland road trips.
Your automotive technician will likely use a dedicated battery tester and should be able to print out the results for your records. A battery tester not only tests the battery but can also analyze cranking and charging.
A high-rate discharge tester can also measure your battery’s health. This device lets you know if your battery can put out a large amount of energy quickly. The battery must supply the engine with a good jolt of energy to get it started, especially in cold weather.
Once the tests have been performed, your automotive technician will let you know if everything checks out or if your vehicle’s battery needs servicing.
If your battery is over three years old, your mechanic may recommend a trickle charger or battery blanket to keep it insulated against the cold. This will improve the chemical reactions in the battery that need to occur to run anything electric in your car.
Ignition system review
Any faulty ignition system parts can make starting your vehicle an everyday gamble, especially with the added risks of winter temperatures.
Avoid rolling the dice by having your ignition system assessed. This review should include the spark plugs, all wires, and the distributor cap.
Tire changes and pressure checks
Proper-quality tires are essential to winter road safety. Make sure you switch to a sturdy set of winter tires before the temperature consistently drops below 7 °C.
During winter, grab a pressure gauge and check your tire pressure every two weeks. This is important year-round, but especially in winter. The colder it gets, the more the air in your tires contracts, which makes pressure reduction hard to predict.
When you check the air pressure, pay attention to your tires’ wear, tread depth, and tread pattern. Ask a professional to look if you have deep cracks or tread depths less than 6 mm deep – you’ll likely need a replacement.
You can read more about maintaining your winter tires here.
Brake assessment
Properly working brakes can make the difference between stopping and sliding when faced with temperamental weather and black ice.
If you notice any change in your brake performance, have them assessed by a professional immediately. You can find more information about the importance of a complete brake job here.
Fluid top-ups
If it’s been six months since your last oil change, get one done this winter. Clean oil will help your engine run better, which in turn makes cranking the engine easier for your starter system.
Don’t forget to have your coolant level checked as well. If it’s been more than two years since your last flush, your automotive mechanic may recommend the procedure to help your engine operate within its optimal temperature range.
Visual aids
Visibility is strained in the winter, so make some adjustments to give yourself as clear a view as possible. For example, your windshield wipers need to handle all the snow and ice that can build up on your windshield. Winter wiper blades, combined with winter-specific washer fluid, are an important duo for your car this time of year.
If your headlights seem a bit dim, now may be a good time for some headlight restoration or bulb replacement. Check out this guide for advice on picking the right bulbs for your car.
Before you drive on a snowy day, all your windows—including your windshield—must be fully cleared. Driving with very limited visibility is not only dangerous but also illegal in almost all jurisdictions.
Pack an emergency kit
Take some of the uncertainty out of winter driving by preparing for any event. If you must make an unexpected stop, you’ll be glad you packed a winter emergency kit in your trunk.
If you get stuck in the snow, items like a first aid kit, blankets, non-perishable snacks, a foldable shovel, and a portable lamp can be very useful.
If you have trouble getting out of a winter situation by yourself, don’t hesitate to call for help.
Winter driving tips
Even with a well-maintained vehicle, driving in the snow can be nerve-wracking. To travel with confidence, check out these winter driving techniques. Remember: there’s no need to rush. Even if you arrive late, it’s better to take your time and stay safe than to rush and get into an accident.
If you need help preparing your car for winter, visit any NAPA AUTOPRO service centre. Our experts can answer all your questions and perform any necessary maintenance tasks.