With winter readily upon us, you'll want to make sure that you have prepared your car for any inclement weather or winter drives. While several routine maintenance items should always be performed on your car, truck, SUV, or van, seasonal maintenance is also necessary. This includes a list of winter weather car maintenance and repairs.
What Type of Winter Maintenance Should Be Performed?
Here at Barbera Autoland, our service center is prepared to keep your vehicle ready for any driving conditions. Here are a few winter service suggestions our Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, PA, and beyond drivers should consider having performed on their vehicles.
Regular Maintenance for Winter Conditions
- Oil Changes – If your Jeep Cherokee is showing a change oil warning, you'll want to have your oil changed right away. Dirty oil can lead to a much larger engine issue.
- Battery Inspection – If your Dodge Durango needs to be jumped in order to start up, you'll want to have the battery inspected and/or replaced. Cold temperatures can affect the battery's charge, so being prepared with a new battery is important.
- Brake Repair – You always want to check your brakes before the winter weather appears, especially if they are showing signs of wear. If you've noticed a loud squeal, spongy brake pedal, or a shudder when you apply the brakes, it's time to have them inspected and repaired.
- Belts, Hoses, Spark Plugs, Wires, Cables, and More – It's always a good idea to have your vehicle inspected with the changing of the seasons. Make sure that your vehicle is prepared for anything and that the many moving parts are in good repair.
Change to Winter Tires
When you live in Pennsylvania, you'll want to consider changing your summer tires to winter ones. While it's possible to drive around Pennsauken, NJ, Langhorne, and Jenkintown in all-season tires, it's not recommended, especially when the roads become icy, snowy, or filled with slush. Installing winter tires help keep you firmly on the ground, giving you a better grip along the way.
You'll also want to make sure that you maintain tire pressure, check for temperatures that could affect traction, and inspect your tires often. If they look low or the tread has all but disappeared, you'll want to have them serviced or replaced.
Take Care of Your Windshield and Windshield Wipers
Don't let cracks in your windshield or bad windshield wipers deter you from seeing the road in front of you. If you need to replace your windshield, it's a good idea to have it done before the winter weather begins. You should also replace your windshield wipers if they aren't clearing the glass as they should. If you'd like, there are even winter wipers available. These heavy-duty wipers are perfect for clearing heavy snow and ice off your windshield. However, they will need to be replaced with normal wipers in the spring because they are far too heavy to have on all year round. Also, don't forget to ensure the windshield wiper fluid is full.
Pack a Winter Safety Kit
If there's ever an emergency, you'll be prepared with your winter emergency safety kit. This kit should include items like a first aid kit, flares, a flashlight with extra batteries, blankets, non-perishable food, water, a car tool kit, a small shovel, a bag of sand or kitty litter, and anything else you may need.
Contact Barbera Autoland to Schedule Your Winter Service Appointment
If your car needs to be serviced for winter, we suggest scheduling an appointment with our team. Our service center is prepared to handle whatever routine maintenance or repair you may need.