Essential Car Maintenance Before Your Winter Road Trip

Pre-trip Winter Car Maintenance Essentials

Before you hit the snowy roads for your winter road trip, it's super important to make sure your car is ready for the journey. Taking the time to do these pre-trip winter car maintenance essentials can make a huge difference in your road trip experience. If you're not sure about how to check some of these things, call us and we can check off this list for you. Safe travels on your winter road trip! 🚗❄️🔧

Battery Check:

Winter can be tough on car batteries. The cold weather makes it harder for the battery to work. Before your trip, make sure your battery is fully charged and in good shape. If it's more than three years old, consider getting it tested by us to see if it needs to be replaced.

Tires Inspection:

Tires are important, especially in winter. Check the tread for safe winter driving. Also, check the tire pressure. Cold weather can reduce tire pressure, which can make driving a bit risky because your car won't handle it as well. Uneven tire wear can also cause a significant reduction in performance.

Antifreeze Levels:

Antifreeze (or coolant) keeps your engine from freezing in cold temperatures. Make sure your car has enough antifreeze and that it's mixed with water in the right proportion. You can check this in your car's manual. Also, don't mix different kinds so check for specific requirements. We can assess the ratios or you can test it with a special gauge.

Oil Change:

If it's almost time for an oil change, do it before your trip. In winter, using the right type of oil is important because cold weather can make oil thicker, which makes it harder for your engine to run.

Brake Check:

Brakes are obviously super important. Get them checked to make sure they're in good condition. This includes the brake pads and discs, and the brake fluid levels.

Lights and Wipers:

With shorter days in winter, you'll probably use your lights more. Check that all your lights are working including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and emergency flashers. Also, check your windshield wipers. If they're leaving marks on your windshield, replace them.

Heating System:

Make sure your car's heater and defroster are working well. You don't want to be stuck in a cold car or have a windshield you can't defog.

Emergency Kit:

Prepare an emergency kit for your car. Include things like blankets, extra warm clothes, food, water, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a snow shovel, and sand or cat litter for traction if you get stuck.

Fluid Levels:

Check all fluid levels – engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, and power steering fluid. Top them off, if needed.

Exhaust System:

Check your exhaust system for leaks. Carbon monoxide leaks are dangerous, especially when you're driving with windows closed.