TIRE TIPS

TOP MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR NEW DRIVERS: HOW TO PREP YOUR CAR FOR WINTER

Harsh winter weather can damage your vehicle and cost you a fortune in repairs or parts replacement. The only way to combat the cold weather and ensure your car stays in top shape is by winterizing it. If your vehicle is new, check the owner’s manual for information on maintaining your car’s make or model. We also discussed effective tips for preparing your vehicle in the winter months. Our tips:

Consider Replacing the Windshield Wipers

Driving conditions in the winter months can be difficult, especially during a snowstorm. Get new winter wiper blades to ensure you can see the road ahead while driving in winter conditions. It can be dangerous when snow, ice, or mud stays on your windshield—the new wiper blades should remove it. Make sure to also get windshield wiper fluid to better prepare you for a harsh winter.

Inspect the Car Battery

Old car batteries work hard during winter, and they may fail. You can avoid this by checking your car battery at least a month before winter, ensuring it’s in good condition. Visit a trusted dealership in your area to run a battery load test to see if it’s healthy. When you notice corrosion in the terminals and battery cables, getting a new car battery might be better.

Check the Tires and Tire Pressure

Extremely low winter temperatures can cause fluctuations in your vehicle’s tire pressure. Low or too much tire pressure can reduce the service life of your tires or lead to failure. To avoid this, always inspect your tires first—watch out for nicks and cuts and their remaining tread life. You may also consider getting snow tires designed to combat winter ice and snow. Ensure tire pressure is inflated correctly; when uncertain, check the owner’s manual or visit our dealership in Ontario for a professional tire inspection.

Get an Oil Change

Challenging winter conditions can thicken your vehicle’s oil, antifreeze, fluids, and transmission fluids, leading to problems with your engine. We recommend changing the oil or switching to thinner oil when driving during winter. Check your manual to ensure you can use a thinner oil.

Check Other Components of Your Car

Never neglect other components in your car, including the heater and defroster, as well as belts and hoses. We also recommend washing your vehicle after every snowstorm to remove dirt and magnesium chloride from your car. Get a car wash in Ontario immediately to clean your car during winter.

A well-maintained vehicle can tackle difficult winter road conditions, but staying prepared wouldn’t hurt. When driving during winter, consider bringing an emergency kit and a first-aid kit, just in case. Fill the kit with medicine, a flashlight, food, a shovel, flares, and blankets. And if you need winter tires, please get in touch with us today. At Tread Nation, you can buy tires at cost and take advantage of tire storage services and complimentary tire rotation.