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preparing your vehicle for winter

Take some basic precautions this winter to be sure your vehicle remains reliable and safe on the road. These are also good regular maintenance steps for any vehicle owner, no matter where you live.

• Clean and flush your cooling system, and add fresh antifreeze to ensure a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze.
• Make sure your cooling system check includes a leak test. The mechanic will put the system under pressure and visually look for leaks. Make sure to ask for this in case it’s not part of the regular cooling system check.
• Check all of your radiator and heater hoses. If you see any cracking, rotting or softness, replace them right away to avoid future leaks. 
• Check all fan belts and replace any with cracks or wear.
• Clean your battery posts to ensure good starts in cold weather.
• Inspect spark plug wires and replace any cracked wires.
• Complete an oil change before winter begins if you’re due.
• Check your windshield wipers and replace them if necessary. Wiper blades take a beating in the winter, so be sure they’re up to the task.
• Fill your wiper reservoir with washer fluid, not water, because the fluid won’t freeze but water will.
• Check brakes and service any problems.
• Inspect your tires and be sure that any tire with less than 1/8” tread depth is replaced. Keep a check on your tires throughout winter months as they lose a little pressure when it gets cold.
• Check your spare tire, jack and other road emergency tools.
• Test your heater, defroster and rear defogger before you need them.
• Make sure your battery and charging system are up to the winter tasks.
• Fill a “winter emergency box” with jumper cables, a flashlight and extra batteries, flares, a shovel, a first aid kit, a blanket or two and drinking water.

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