RepairPal Blog:

Summer is over—the kids are back at school, the summer clothes are up in the attic, and your vacation days are used up. Now, you’re ready to relax, turn up the heat, break out the hot chocolate, and chill out until the winter holidays get started. Surely there is nothing left for you to do until then … right?

Not quite. This is the perfect time of year to start getting your vehicle ready for winter and the unique problems that cold weather brings. Breakdowns and starting issues can be much worse in lower temperatures, so make sure you are ready well before the first snow fall.

Here are some suggestions to winterize your car:

Service Schedule
Check your owners manual for recommended service schedules. Are you due for an oil change? Is it time for your 50,000-mile service? Your owners manual is always a great place to start when figuring out your car’s maintenance requirements.

Engine Problems
If you have noticed any engine problems—stalling, hard starting, rough idling—NOW is the time to address them. Cold weather only makes engine problems worse, so be prepared. Have any engine problems diagnosed and repaired. It’s also a good idea to replace dirty filters—e.g. PCV, air, fuel.

Battery
It’s impossible to know whether or not you have a weak battery unless you have it analyzed professionally, but you can still do preventative maintenance yourself. Clean all of the surfaces of the battery and scrape away any corrosion from the cable connections and posts. Be sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear to avoid contact with battery acid and corrosive deposits.

Windshield Wipers
Bad wipers aren’t just annoying—they’re dangerous. Replace old blades and make sure your washer fluid reservoir is filled at all times. If your climate is particularly harsh, rubber-clad (winter) blades can fight against ice build-up.

Tires
Worn tires won’t do you any favors in wintery weather. Be sure to check your tires’ pressure, as it tends to drop in colder temperatures. Go ahead and buy chains and/or winter/studded tires if you need them in your region. Also, make sure the spare and jack are in good condition.

Emergency Kit
Better safe than sorry, right? Be prepared for any roadside emergency by creating an emergency kit to live in your vehicle. Things you should include are: a blanket, extra boots and gloves, an ice scraper, windshield washer fluid, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, flares, a small snow shovel, a flashlight, kitty litter (for traction when stuck in the snow), and bottled water.

Preparing your vehicle for colder weather now will save you time when winter rolls around. Besides, if your car is in good condition, you can worry about more important things—like what to get your kids for Christmas.

For more information on how to prepare your vehicle for the changing seasons, click here >>