As winter weather sets in, you might begin to notice issues with your vehicle. Certain auto components don’t perform optimally when temperatures plummet, leaving you more vulnerable to breakdowns and road hazards. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your car or truck in dependable running condition throughout the cold season. Here are some car maintenance tips for keeping your vehicle winter-ready.

4 Tips for Optimizing Auto Performance in Winter

1. Get New Wiper Blades

The average wiper blades last about six months, and their lifespan may decrease during the winter due to ice and snow accumulation on windshields.

Replace the blades at the beginning of the season to keep them functional and maximize visibility on the roads. Prolong their lifespan by wiping the rubber edge with a cloth and glass cleaner every couple of weeks. 

2. Change the Oil

Cold temperatures cause motor oil to thicken, which prevents it from sliding through the engine block with ease. As a result, the pistons, rods, and cylinders won’t get the lubrication they need to slide over one another without grinding together and generating excess friction.

Prevent overheating and breakdowns by replacing the oil before winter. Ask your mechanic to use a motor oil with a lower viscosity that won’t thicken as much.  

3. Test the Battery 

Cold weather diminishes an auto battery’s cranking power since lower temperatures prevent them from producing as much current. Your battery may die sooner than expected because of overworking to start your vehicle and keep it running.

Schedule a battery test with a car maintenance professional at the beginning of winter. If the reading falls below 12.4 volts, replace the battery to prevent stalling and breakdowns. 

4. Get Winter Tires

Winter tires have specialized tread patterns that reduce snow buildup. They also have rubber components that repel water, giving them a stronger grip on slippery roads. Though they have a shorter lifespan than all-season tires, they’ll get you through the cold season and provide peace of mind behind the wheel. 

Stay safe on the roads with winter car maintenance from Ken Marcotte's Professional Auto Service. These mechanics offer oil changes, tire replacements, and engine tuneups to drivers throughout Loveland, OH. Call (513) 683-7852 to schedule car diagnostics anytime you notice changes in your vehicle, and visit the website to learn more about how they can keep your automobile running smoothly.