There’s no way around it, winter is on its way. Fall’s cooler temperatures are a welcome relief after summer’s scorching heat, and while it’s a great time to rediscover cooler-weather outdoor activities, it’s also the right time to prepare your vehicle for the cold weather and inevitable salt assault!
Preparing your vehicle today is much easier than it was years ago. With today’s advanced fluids, changing your antifreeze is no longer needed before the first cold snap. The key is to make sure all your maintenance is caught up. If the fluids have been changed or checked at the scheduled mileage, then just be certain that they are full, and you may want to have a little extra washer fluid on hand, salted roads can make a mess of your windshield. Fall and early winter is a perfect time to change wiper blades.
Have your battery and charging system checked. Batteries hate extreme temperature changes. Perform a visual inspection as well as a load test before winter and again before summer. Wet vent caps and corroded terminals are signs of acid leakage and potential problems. Up to 5 years of reliable service is about the best you can expect from a quality battery.
Have your tires checked! Tire pressure is a great start, but overall tire condition is critical. Safety inspection requires a minimum of 2/32 of an inch of tread to pass, but in winter weather, that is not enough space to clear slush from under the tire so it contacts the road as designed. 3/32-4/32 of an inch is the ideal tread for winter months. Look at the sidewalls; if you see cracks, let a professional check the tires, sidewall damage can be a safety issue.
The brine and salt used to clear our roads are hazardous to the underside of our vehicles. To help prevent rust and rot it is best to have the underside of your vehicle rinsed down with at least a garden hose every spring. Repairing rotted floor pans, brake and fuel lines can get expensive.
