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Road debris, cold temperatures, grimy roads and winter dampness wear down your battery, brakes, tires and other vital components of your car.
As the third month of winter approaches, the stress of inclement weather reduces your vehicle’s performance. Vehicle batteries lose their power, fluids thicken, tires wear down, steering problems surface and braking systems may show signs of wear.
A midwinter maintenance check offers one of the best defenses against sudden breakdowns or costly repairs whether you live in regions of extreme cold or a Mediterranean climate, according to the National Safety Council.
Here are some common recommendations for your late-winter driving. If you notice any of the following issues, speak with your service advisor about next steps:
1. Tires and tread depth. Adverse weather continues well into spring for regions such as Ontario, New England and the Midwest. Make sure your tires are safe for sudden stops and extended travel plans.
The freeze-thaw cycle of moisture can expand hairline cracks in tires. Also, lower temperatures reduce tire inflation, which can cause sidewall damage and increase damage from road hazards.
Have your service advisor check tread depth, uneven wear and inspect sidewalls for cracks or bulges.
2. Vehicle battery. Long winter days draw more power from your vehicle’s electrical system. Freezing temperatures reduce battery capacity, and use of vehicle electrical components increases demand.
Have a service professional perform a battery charge test. A weak battery can die overnight and leave your family stranded.
3. Steering and suspension. Snow packed roads can disrupt your wheel alignment. In places with occasional snowfall, ice can also build up around wheel wells and leave your steering wheel stiff on winter mornings.
If your vehicle drifts to one side or the other, or if the wheel vibrates, call your service advisor before for an alignment inspection. Poor alignment affects steering safety and increases tire wear.
4. Braking system. Frequent braking in icy environments wear down braking components. Slush or ice buildup in your wheels also affect your vehicle’s braking responsiveness. Ask your service advisor to inspect your brake pads and rotors for winter grime.
Cold temperatures can thicken brake fluid and undermine your vehicle’s braking efficiency.
5. Winter oil change. Don’t delay routine oil change service. In cold weather, standard motor oil moves slowly through the engine which can make it difficult to start your car and increase wear on engine components.
Ask your service advisor about winter-friendly oil that ensures your vehicle runs smoothly in your region. Lower-viscosity oil circulates easily and helps protect your engine’s internal components during winter.
6. Underbody protection. No matter where you live, especially in snow-prone areas, wash your vehicle’s underbody. Use an automated vehicle wash station to remove road grime from frame rails, brake lines and exhaust system.
7. Moisture and salt. Wheel wells are exposed to all of winter’s grime. Thoroughly clean wheels and apply a waxed-based rust protection to exposed areas to prevent rust, pitting and maintain their sparkle throughout winter.
8. Wipers and windshield. Fill your windshield washer tank this month. It’s probably running low from use the past two months.
Do your windshield wipers chatter, scrape or cause smears? Replacing wiper blades is an inexpensive way to help prevent accidents caused by reduced visibility. For SUVs, remember to replace the rear wiper blade as well.
9. Coolant and antifreeze levels. Have your coolant system checked for proper fluid levels, fluid contamination and leaky hoses. Contaminated or old fluid may need to be flushed and replaced to prevent engine damage and improve climate control performance.
10. Bright lights. Does the road look a little dimmer? The problem may require adjusting headlights or replacing headlight bulbs–two affordable ways to improve visibility and help reduce the potential for accidents.
For vehicles with traditional halogen bulbs, when was the last time they were replaced? They typically do not burn out. Rather their brightness diminishes gradually as the tungsten filament wears out. Brightness can diminish by as much as 20 percent in two years for drivers who log about 30,000 miles.
For traditional and LED headlight bulbs, check to see if they are working properly or misaligned. If your vehicle has struck a pothole or road debris or had a minor collision, the impact can skew the light beams. They may point too low or too high or sideways–anywhere but the road in front of you.
Are there any cracks in your vehicle headlamp? Check for moisture inside the lamp housing. Moisture reduces brightness and may indicate time for replacement.
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