When you’re a motorist in Alaska, it’s always critical to prepare your car for harsh weather. However, it’s especially important to invest in auto maintenance before winter—and the heavy snow and difficult driving conditions it brings—arrives. If you want to avoid inconvenient and costly auto repairs in the coming months, here are five car parts you should check before winter arrives.

Which Auto Parts Need to Be Checked Before Winter?

1. Oil

If you haven’t changed your oil in a while, there’s a good chance it’s too dirty to lubricate your engine components properly. And when temperatures drop, your oil’s thickness will increase, making lubrication even more difficult. Protect your engine by having your oil replaced with a a motor oil product that’s made for colder temperatures.

2. Windshield Wipers

Windshield wiper blades typically only last about six months or shorter if you drive during harsh weather conditions frequently. Without reliable wipers, it will be difficult to remove snow, ice, and rain from your windshield. To avoid putting your visibility and personal safety at risk, switch out your old blades for a pair of new ones.

3. Anti-Freeze

Anti-freeze is an essential fluid that helps protect your car’s mechanical parts from freezing in low temperatures. If your anti-freeze levels are low, have it flushed and replaced.

4. Heating System

If you haven’t powered up your car’s heater recently, it’s important to check it before winter arrives. If the system isn’t producing enough—or any—heat, have it inspected and serviced by a trusted auto repair specialist.

5. Tires

When temperatures drop, tires lose air pressure, which in turn, can increase the danger of flats, blow-outs, and on-road accidents. Using your owner’s manual as a guide, check to make sure your tires have enough pressure and fill them up with air if they are too low. If your wheels are getting old or do not offer sufficient tread, you should purchase a new set of winter tires from your local auto repair shop. Winter tires feature metal studs and heavy tread designs to increase traction on roads covered in snow and ice.

Before you drive your car this winter, bring your vehicle to the specialists at Collision Masters. Providing comprehensive auto repair services in Fairbanks, AK, these mechanics can address common issues that impair a car’s performance during the winter. They also offer a wide range of auto detailing and car washing services to ensure your vehicle is kept in good shape—even when there’s snow, ice, and dirt on the roads. Visit this auto shop online to learn more about their services, or call (907) 451-8456 to schedule a service appointment.