Frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, and dark and icy roads are just some of the things winter inflicts upon your vehicle. The right auto care prepares your car for winter’s chill, so you do not experience issues, such as tire blowouts and engine failure,s on a dark, freezing night. Use the following checklist to start your winter preparation for a safer season.

5 Auto Care Tips for the Winter

1. Schedule an Inspection

Schedule professional auto care services that get your vehicle ready for winter. Cars and trucks need heating system checks, oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid refills to ensure winter weather competence. Auto care services should also include refilling the antifreeze, checking the brake pads for wear, and replacing the battery if it’s more than five years old.

2. Change Your Tires

Look for cracks in your tires’ sidewalls and perform the quarter test to check their tread depths. Depending on where you live, you may want to switch to winter or other high-performance tires that hold up against slick road conditions from snow and ice. Tire chains may also be beneficial depending on where you live.

3. Apply Wax

Clean and wax your vehicle to shield the paint from road salt, deicing chemicals, sleet, ice, and snow. Ask your local auto care experts for recommendations or refer to your owners manual if you aren’t sure which products are best.

4. Replace the Windshield Wipers

Change your windshield wipers if it’s been more than six months since your last replacement. You’ll need them when visibility conditions are compromised from snowstorms. Add a deicing liquid to your windshield washer fluid to keep the product from icing up.

5. Update Your Emergency Kit

Update your vehicle emergency kit with heavy blankets to stay warm in the event of a breakdown and kitty litter for traction, as well as extra deicing and antifreeze fluids, a flashlight and extra batteries, tire chains, and extra gloves.

Schedule professional auto care services before the winter takes over at Professional Automotive, the local shop proudly serving Anchorage, AK. Specializing in car computer diagnostics, oil and tire changes, and auto tuneups that are designed to fit your budget, these Automotive Service Excellence-certified mechanics understand what’s best for vehicles in light of regional weather. Call (907) 562-2471 today to schedule an appointment, or learn more about their services on their website.