With winter coming, you’re likely looking forward to spending time with loved ones for the holidays. However, you must keep in mind that your car needs some extra attention and preparation during this time as well. Proper preventative maintenance not only lessens your chance of engine failure requiring costly repairs, but it also protects you from dangers on the icy winter roads. Consider these winter auto repair and maintenance tips to winterize your vehicle.

5 Auto Repair & Maintenance Tips to Follow for Winter

1. Battery

Your battery is more likely to die in cold temperatures, so if yours was on its last legs during the summer, it might suddenly die once winter hits. It’s also much less comfortable to be stranded on the side of the road during the winter. A technician will run a diagnostic test on the battery to check the voltage and get it replaced if needed.

2. Lights

Since the sun sets earlier in the winter, you’ll drive in darkness much more often. Make sure your lights are replaced if they’re foggy, yellow, or completely burnt out. Once winter arrives, brush off any snow or ice covering your lights, including the brake lights.

3. Tire Pressure

You might notice your tire pressure indicator turning on once it’s cold outside, as the decline in temperatures leads to low tire pressure. Not only will your vehicle be more difficult to maneuver through the snow, but you’ll also have to deal with hastened tire tread wear. Both of these increase your chances of getting into an accident. Continuously check your tire pressure using a tire gauge.

4. Defroster

Your defroster is only used seasonally, so it’s a good feature to check before winter arrives. It’ll keep ice off of your windows so that you can properly see the road. 

5. Coolant

Just as coolant prevents your car from overheating in the summer, it’ll prevent your engine from freezing in the winter. A dashboard indicator should appear when your car is low on coolant, but you should still have your engine inspected by an auto mechanic to ensure you don’t have a leak prior to the winter months. To further protect against harsh weather, auto repair experts suggest combining equal parts coolant and water in your radiator to lower the engine’s freezing point.

Does your vehicle need to be winterized? Give Mullanphy Tire & Automotive a call at (314) 921-4961 to schedule an appointment. The Florissant, MO-based auto repair shop is known for their integrity and high-quality services at the most affordable prices in the area. From battery replacement to heating system repairs, their experienced technicians will do whatever it takes to get your car prepped for winter. Visit their website to learn more about their impressive variety of auto repair services.