Its always a good idea this time of year to have a Winter Checkup done on your vehicle. There are several items to do to maintain your vehicle year round, however you should spend special attention during the colder months to ensure your vehicle will serve you with no major issues. Follow on below to find out the common winter failures.
Tires
Heading into the winter months having tires in great shape is a key to a safe commute. During a Winter Checkup tires should be a major point of inspection. Things to look for when checking up on your tires are
- Tire Type
- Tread Depth
- Air pressure
- Uneven wear
Fluids
During a Winter Checkup special attention should be paid to fluids. Extreme cold temperatures can expose weaknesses in the cooling system and cause leaks, so close attention should be paid to coolant level, condition, and protection level. Coolant should be tested to measure the temperature level protection to ensure adequate protection for your climate. Washer fluid should also be changed to a winter blend to protect against freezing and damaging your washer fluid container or hoses.
Belts and Hoses
Checking your Belts and hoses is a must during a Winter Checkup. Extreme cold temperatures can cause rubber hoses and belts to become brittle and more susceptible to breakage and leaks. While the new EPDM rubber used in most belts and hoses is alot more durable than previous versions of rubber it still can be weakened by extreme temperatures.
Battery
Any Winter Checkup is not complete until the battery has been checked and tested. Todays vehicles require a heavy amp load due to heated seats, extensive infotainment systems and accessories. The average life of today’s batteries is 3 years. Batteries are vulnerable to extreme high and low temperatures. A battery test is quick and easy and is a service we offer at no charge year round.
–Joshua Shook Sr.