Car maintenance is more essential in winter than at any other time of the year because driving conditions are more difficult and having a breakdown could leave you stranded in dangerous temperatures. Whether you’re taking your car to the auto shop or making your own checklist this winter, make sure your vehicle is ready for the cold weather. 

5 Ways to Make Your Car Safe in Winter 

1. Check Your Oil

Cold temperatures make oil thicker, which means it circulates around the engine less easily. Fresh oil will move through your engine better than oil that’s been in your car for longer than three months. Thinner oil works well in some cars during winter, but always check your manual or ask an expert at an auto shop before switching.

2. Ensure Good Visibility

Bad weather and a frosted windshield can lead to poor visibility in winter. Ensure that the bulbs in your headlights are working at full brightness and don’t need to be replaced. Cleaning the lenses regularly is also crucial. To keep your windshield clear, switch to windshield washer fluid that contains de-icer and make sure it’s always topped up. Change your wipers if they’re more than a year old.

3. Check Your Tires

Tires with sufficient tread are vital in winter because they give you enough traction on slippery roads. A tread of 2/32” or less is not enough for winter driving, and a tread of 5/32” or more is preferred. You should also consider switching to snow tires that are designed to grip well in winter.

4. Inspect Your Battery 

Batteries fail more often in winter. That’s partly because the summer heat has taken a toll, and also because the chemical reactions that create power tend to slow down in cold weather. This means your battery has to work harder. Head to an auto shop and ask them to perform a battery load test to make sure it won’t let you down on a cold day.

5. Confirm Antifreeze Levels

Antifreeze stops the water in your engine from freezing, so it becomes essential in winter. Frozen water in the engine will prevent your car from working and can also seriously damage the radiator. Ask an expert to check that your car has the right ratio of water and antifreeze for winter conditions.

To make sure your car is safe for winter, take it to a trusted auto shop so that the necessary checks and adjustments can be done to a professional standard. Having reliably served customers since 1977, Stillwater Auto Clinic in Stillwater, MN, offers everything from routine maintenance and tuneups to brake repairs and oil changes. To make an appointment, call (651) 351-7188 or visit their website.