What is the importance of car maintenance for winter driving?

Winter’s cold temperatures are knocking at the door!  An important part of getting ready for winter is scheduling preventative vehicle maintenance service.  Ask your auto repair technician to perform a thorough checkup of all the systems of your vehicle and of course, be sure to have any compulsory repairs taken care of as soon as possible.  This will ensure that you can drive your vehicle with peace of mind when heading out on icy and snowy roads.

If you have not yet done so, now is the time to take care of these simple vehicle maintenance items so that you are driving as safe as possible:

• Battery--Cold temperatures reduce a battery’s cranking power.  Cranking power at 0° F is only about half of that at 80° F.  If your battery is worn out, it’s time to replace it!
• Wiper Blades--Even the best-performing wiper blades start to lose their effectiveness in as little as 6 months. Streaks expanses of glass are sure signs that the blades should be replaced.  
• Windows--Make sure your windows are clear before heading out.  You're a risk to yourself and everyone around if you can’t see.  Use an ice scraper, not the wipers, to remove ice from the windshield. If you park outside, place the wipers in the raised position to keep them from freezing to the windshield.  Keep your windshield-washer reservoir filled with a washer solution that contains an antifreeze agent.  Also, make sure the heater is functioning correctly so that plenty of warm air is being directed to the windshield in the defrost mode.
• Lights--Inspect that all the vehicle's lights are working correctly and that the lenses are clean so that you'll have optimum visibility at night and other drivers can see you.
• Oil--Oil thickens when cold, making it harder for the engine to turn over. Normally, you should be using multi-viscosity oil that has a "W" in the viscosity index, providing good oil flow at low temperatures.
• Radiator, Hoses, and Belts--Have the radiator and heater hoses inspected for cracks, leaks, or contamination from oil. The hoses should be firm yet pliable.  Try to keep your coolant mixture in a 50/50 ratio of antifreeze and water to keep it from freezing until temperatures are well below zero.  Ask your mechanic for the correct mixture for your climate.
• New Tires--Your safety depends on tire traction.  If your area gets occasional snow, a new set of all-season tires rated to perform well in snow and ice tests should be fine.  If you live where snow and ice are continually present, consider buying winter tires which are made from special rubber compounds and tread patterns to grip snow and ice for optimum traction.  Keep your tires correctly inflated, as tire pressure declines with the thermometer.
• Brakes--Make sure your brakes are working correctly to meet the challenges of wet and icy roads.  If you feel any vibration, hear screeching, or the brake pedal feels “soft,” have your brakes checked and repaired as soon as possible.
• Emergency kit--Even if going a short distance, carry a supply of water, snacks, jumper cables, flashlight, road flares, first aid kit, blanket, and cell phone and charger.

Are you looking for a quality vehicle maintenance service?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about the importance of car maintenance 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.