The winter months provide some unique challenges that make routine auto maintenance all the more essential. Cold weather can adversely impact a vehicle in a number of different ways, from your battery to your tires. Knowing these few risks will keep your eye sharp for when you need to bring it in for a check-up.

3 Things Cold Weather Can Do to Your Vehicle

1. A Dead Battery

One of the most common wintertime car problems is a dead battery. In extremely cold temperatures, batteries can't conduct the heat necessary to power the engine. To avoid using your jumper cables, make sure all battery connections are tight and free of dirt and grime. Check that there is no rust or deep corrosion on the battery itself. When in doubt, visit an auto maintenance professional who can test or replace the battery.

2. Broken Wiper Blades

In cold weather, the rubber on the edges of wiper blades can break or crack, making them more or less ineffective. Scrape off windshields during the winter before you use the wipers; built-up ice or heavy snow puts more pressure on the blades and weakens them. Also, your auto maintenance technician can change out wiper blades in virtually no time at all.

3. Changing Tire Pressure

When temperatures drop, the air inside your car tires contracts, resulting in a loss of pressure. Get in the habit of checking your tire pressure more frequently throughout the winter, making sure your tires stay at 32 psi or their recommended level. Your auto repair professional can also help you keep tabs on this during the colder months of the year.

While these are common wintertime risks for any vehicle owner, the good news is that they are all preventable and fixable. When you need professional auto maintenance support, trust Dee's Auto Care Specialists. With locations in La Crosse and Onalaska, WI, and Winona, MN, they offer all types of auto repair and routine maintenance work. To schedule service, call them at (608) 782-2530, visit them online, or message them on Facebook or Twitter.