Maintaining your vehicle for the Winter

Your vehicle is a necessary part of everyday living, whether you’re using it to commute to work, take the kids to school, visit family, or even take a cross-country road trip. A breakdown or other mechanical issue can be frustrating in the best of times, but in the winter it can be dangerous.

What’s more, breakdowns can be more common in the winter because cars don’t run as well in cold weather. However, with proper maintenance and preparation, you can keep your car running well even through the cold months ahead. Follow the following five tips to keep your car running smoothly this winter.

1. Check Your Battery

Car batteries are heavily affected by cold weather, especially their cranking ability. At 0°F, a battery has about half the ability to start a car that it does at 80°F. This means that an older battery that might crank your car just fine in the summer can struggle or even fail to start it up in winter.

Luckily, checking your battery is easy and simple. Remove the plastic caps on top of the battery and check the fluid level inside. Your owner’s manual should have full instructions for how to check your battery and what to consider when doing so.

You should also replace your batteries every few years—after five years, if it shows signs of weakness, you should replace it as soon as possible.

You can also bring your battery by Waldorf Toyota, where we’ll check it, service it, and even replace it for you if need be!

2. Clean Your Windows

Oftentimes, winter weather leads to frosted windshields. Before you drive, remove frost, ice, and snow from your windshield using a scraper. If you can’t see out of your windshield, you’re putting yourself and other drivers in danger.

If you know it’s going to snow and you’re parking outside, store your wipers in a raised position so that they don’t freeze to the windshield. You can also wash the winter residue from your windshield with a winter-blend washer solution.

Finally, test your defroster and make sure the heater is working properly, and wash your headlights for the best possible nighttime visibility.

3. Replace Your Wiper Blades

While you might not think much about your wiper blades unless it’s raining, they’re an integral part of your ability to see and stay safe when you drive. We recommend replacing wiper blades twice a year, and our service department keeps plenty in stock for whenever yours are starting to show wear and tear.

4. Check Your Engine Oil

The single most important maintenance task to keep up with for your Toyota is keeping up with your oil changes. Winter weather can be hard on your engine, as oil naturally gets thicker with colder temperatures. If it’s been a minute since you’ve had your oil changed, consider doing so now before the truly cold weather sets in.

During the oil change, have the filter checked, as well as the radiator and heater hoses, for cracks and leaks. Replace them if they’re showing their age.

5. Check Your Tires

Your tires are the only four points where your car touches the road. It’s absolutely paramount that they stay in good health, not only for your safety but for others. If you’re in an area that has harsh winter weather, consider buying winter or all-season tires that will perform better in slick conditions.

Even if it’s not time to replace your tires, make sure they’re properly inflated. Air pressure decreases as its temperature decreases, so your tires could become flat overnight if a front moves in. Check them in the morning before your drive.

Need Service? Come to Waldorf Toyota!

You don’t have to do these repairs and maintenance tasks on your own. The Toyota experts at Waldorf Toyota are factory-trained to service every Toyota model, so you can trust that we’ll treat your car right. Plus, our specials make it easy to afford the service your car needs to stay running! Give us a call or schedule service online today.

Tags: Toyota Cars, Toyota Service
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