What Car Maintenance Needs To Be Done?

There is still plenty of winter weather to come so remember it’s vital to make sure your car can continue to meet the challenge of hazardous winter driving!  Preventative vehicle maintenance is vital in any season, but knowing what car maintenance needs to be done for winter should take top priority.  Ask your mechanic about the items that should be on the winter vehicle maintenance checklist to help prevent an emergency on the road.

What car maintenance needs to be done to finish out winter in safety?  

1. Use winter wipers – These wipers are equipped with rubber that keeps ice from collecting on them.  Replace them when spring arrives as they are heavier than regular wipers.
2. Winter/snow tires – These tires use special compounds engineered to resist hardening in cold temperatures, thus providing better traction.  Inspect the tread and air pressure commonly.  Keep chains in the trunk and know how to install them.
3. Keep washer fluid reservoir full – You will be using a lot of windshield washer fluid when driving in snow and ice.  Keep a spare bottle in the trunk.
4. Winter safety kit – Include an ice scraper, bag of sand, shovel, flares, extra antifreeze, flashlight and batteries, tool kit, including jumper cables, and lug wrench and jacks for changing a tire, blankets and extra warm clothing and boots, plus non-perishable food and water.  Don’t forget a charger for your cell phone.
5. Recommended vehicle maintenance – Have that needed oil change, a new battery, radiator inspection, and make sure you have the correct antifreeze to water ratio.  Inspect all belts and hoses, spark plugs, wires, and cables.
6. Fill up the tank – A full fuel tank can help prevent gas line freeze ups. If you get stranded, your engine may be the only thing to keep you warm until help arrives.
7. Keep rear-window defroster in working order – Being unable to see behind you could create unsafe driving conditions. 

A Word to the Wise:  It’s true that something can happen any time of year, but it is especially hazardous in winter!  If the roads are too dangerous, stay home if at all potential.  Don't risk an accident!

Need to know more about the winter vehicle maintenance checklist?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive about what car maintenance needs to be done for winter driving and to Make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.