Winter is perhaps the most dangerous time of year to drive your vehicle, especially if it hasn’t been receiving the necessary upkeep. In fact, at Fort Mitchell Garage in Covington, KY, we find a poorly maintained vehicle is more likely to experience an accident, particularly after the first winter storm. As the area’s leading auto repair shop, we believe drivers should always be prepared for dangerous road conditions, such as snow and ice. To that end, we’ve put together this checklist to help you make sure your car is winter-ready.  

Local Auto Repair Shop Shares a Checklist to Ensure You’re Ready for Winter

1. Replace Dirty Filters

To keep up your fuel efficiency, you’ll need to replace any dirty filters in the vehicle. These keep the engine clean and, thus, prevent it from running poorly. As a result, if you change them regularly, you can ensure your engine performs at an optimal level.

2. Change Your Oil

Many mechanics believe your car needs thinner oil in the winter, as it will flow better in cold temperatures. Plus, an oil change every three months or every 3,000 miles goes a long way in protecting your engine from dirt.

3. Check the Heater

Before the first big freeze, you should make sure your heater is working appropriately. If it’s not blowing warm air, or you experience a coolant leak, you should have this part repaired right away. This is especially important, as the defroster’s function will significantly impact your visibility on cold mornings.

4. Replace Worn Tires

Good tires are crucial to preventing accidents in the winter, as they have improved traction and can prevent your car from sliding into a ditch or other vehicles. Make sure your tires have plenty of tread. And, if necessary, replace them with snow tires, which offer more grip on icy roads.

As you prepare your vehicle for winter, bring it to Fort Mitchell Garage. Serving the area for more than a century, our team of professionals offers affordable and efficient auto repair services to keep your vehicle running all season long. And we can even help with any collision repair services if you do experience an accident. Make an appointment today by calling (859) 431-3326, or like us on Facebook for the latest updates.