Cold Weather Car Care: 8 Must Do Maintenance Checks

As winter approaches, it's important to get your car ready for the cold weather. At Landers CDJR North in Covington, Tennessee, we care about your safety and your car's well-being. That's why we've made a simple checklist to help you prepare your car for winter.

1. Consider Snow Tires for Better Traction

To improve your grip on snowy roads, think about using snow tires or replacing your old ones if you live in a snowy area. All-season tires are okay for light to moderate snow, but keep an eye on the tread depth and any uneven wear.Before winter comes, let our skilled technicians examine your car's battery and charging system. A well-maintained and fully charged battery is crucial for cold-weather starts. We offer battery testing services to make sure your car is ready for winter.

2. Inspect Your Drive Belts

Take a close look at your accessory drive belts. Check for any cracks or fraying on the underside. Even if they look fine, it's essential to replace them as recommended, typically every 60,000 miles.

3. Check Your Car Battery and Charging System

Before winter comes, let our skilled technicians examine your car's battery and charging system. A well-maintained and fully charged battery is crucial for cold-weather starts. We offer battery testing services to make sure your car is ready for winter.

Furthermore, make sure your battery's terminals and cable ends are clean and all connections are tight. Corrosion on terminals can lead to poor electrical connections, which can affect your car's performance.

4. Check Your Tire Pressure

Make sure to check your tire pressure regularly during the fall and winter. Tire pressure drops about one pound per square inch (PSI) for every 10-degree Fahrenheit temperature drop. Follow the recommended pressure levels in your owner's manual or on the door jamb label.

5. Keep an Eye on Your Cooling System

Maintain the right level of coolant in the overflow tank to ensure your car's cooling system can handle the cold. If it's too low, add a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water to prevent freezing.

6. Get Your Brakes Checked

If you notice any brake issues, like strange noises or reduced braking power, it's essential to have your brakes checked by our certified technicians. This verifies your brakes are in good working condition.

7. Make sure Your Wiper Blades Are Good

Having clear visibility is important in winter. Confirm that your wiper blades efficiently clear your windshield. If they leave streaks or miss spots, it's time to get new ones. Consider using winter wiper blades to reduce ice and snow buildup, especially in snowy areas. Don't forget to keep an ice scraper handy for a clear windshield.

8. Test Your Lights

Check that all your car's lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and back-up lights, are working. Replace any non-functional bulbs to ensure that you stay safe on the road.

Visit our Service Department

Preparing your car for winter is a smart move. Landers CDJR North is here to help you with all your winter car needs. Whether you prefer to visit our service center in person in Covington or book your winter car service online, we can help make sure your vehicle is ready for winter.

Your safety is our top priority, and we are dedicated to providing excellent car service near you in Covington. Trust Landers CDJR North to keep your car in good shape as you prepare for winter.