Car Service Tips for Safer Winter Driving!

Winter has arrived on the scene. If you haven't already taken care of the basic car service, it isn't too late. Ask your car repair technician about what kind of maintenance is needed so that you know you are driving as safely as possible in snowy and icy road conditions. Have a thorough inspection performed on all the systems of your vehicle and take care of any unexpected car repair issues so that you can drive with peace of mind, knowing that your car will see you safely through winter.

So what kind of car service should be done? Here are a few essential items to have checked out:

• Car Battery—Get your battery tested before heading out into the cold. Make sure the charge is strong enough to start your engine and that the battery connections are clean, tight, and corrosion-free.
• Windshield and Wiper Blades—Have any chips or cracks repaired. Wiper blades should be replaced about every six months, but you may want to consider using blades designed specifically for cold temperatures. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with a windshield cleaner that contains an antifreeze agent.
• Lights—Check all lights (both inside and out) to ensure they are clean and working correctly (remember the blinker). It's important that you can see and be seen on dark days and nights.
• Oil—Keep up with regular oil changes. Use a multi-viscosity oil with a "W" in the viscosity index (check your owner's manual for your specific car) as it can be used year-round, providing the best oil flow at either hot or cold temperatures.
• Radiator, Hoses, and Belts—Inspect the radiator and hoses for cracks, leaks, or contamination from oil or grease. Ask your mechanic to check the coolant/antifreeze mixture in the radiator to ensure it has not lost its effectiveness.
• Tires—If you drive consistently on snowy and icy roads, you may want to switch from all-season tires to snow tires for better traction. The rubber compounds of winter tires are designed to remain flexible, with a deeper tread, allowing the tire to grip the road better. Check inflation pressure frequently and keep them properly inflated for better steering and fuel economy.
• Brakes—If you feel any vibration, hear squealing, or the brake pedal feels "mushy," have your brakes inspected and repaired as soon as possible for better stopping performance.

Are you looking for quality car repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Toledo Auto Care—Monroe Street for more information about winter car service and schedule an appointment. Our auto shop is proud to serve vehicle owners in Toledo, OH, and the surrounding areas.