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Expert-Recommended Auto Maintenance Tips That Will Help You Get Through Winter

a car travelling through a winter trail

Winter Auto Maintenance Tips

As winter draws near, prepping your vehicle should top the list to ensure a seamless, comfortable and safe driving experience through harsh cold months. Challenging winter conditions, such as roads covered in thick layers of snow, black ice and snowstorms, take a toll on your vehicle, affecting its overall condition and performance. This is why the knowledgeable technicians at Barry Cullen Chevrolet recommend prepping your car beforehand, ensuring you can confidently navigate the winter roads. From battery checks to tire inspections, these expert-recommended tips will guide you to keep your vehicle in peak condition through the cold season. Read on to discover how you can make this winter worry-free!

[ALSO READ: Why Do You Need Winter Tires?]

5 Top Winter Auto Maintenance Tips 

  • Swap to winter tires: Summer or all-season tires may not perform as well on a winter road as they do while driving in high temperatures. This is why you must switch to a good set of winter tires right at the beginning of the cold season to enjoy excellent traction, stability and handling on slippery, sloppy, snow-covered roads.
  • Get a thorough battery inspection: A car’s battery loses its charge faster in winter conditions, so inspect it beforehand to avoid any hiccups while driving. A battery inspection is also important if you notice signs like dimming interior and exterior lights, warning lights, or difficulty starting the engine. If need be, add a silicone-based battery protectant spray to protect the battery terminals against rusting. 
  • Maintain the perfect tire pressure: In winter, as temperatures drop, tire pressure also drops, affecting the car’s safety and performance. Please refer to the owner’s manual or get help from our technicians to learn more about the proper tire pressure to maintain in the winter season based on your car’s make and model. 
  • Fluid top-ups: While prepping your car for winter, keep up with the different fluid levels, including engine oil, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and more. These fluids will continue to ensure the smooth functionality of your car, even during those challenging winter days. 
  • Check all the lights — interior and exterior: Winter driving conditions are dark and gloomy compared to the other seasons, so to drive safely in these conditions, you must get your headlights, taillights, DRLs, ambient lights and more checked and replaced before time. If necessary, replace the existing headlight bulbs with alternatives for better visibility. 

Book a Service Appointment at Barry Cullen Chevrolet

Need expert help prepping your car for winter? Please visit Barry Cullen Chevrolet in Guelph, Ontario, and get your vehicle serviced by our experienced technicians. You can call us at 519-824-0210 or visit our dealership at 905 Woodlawn Road West, Guelph, Ontario, to book a service appointment at your convenience, making your winter preparations stress-free.Â