What does winterizing a car mean?

Each winter, you should have an inspection done on your vehicle to make sure it is ready for the colder weather. So, what does a technician check in the wintertime?

The technician will inspect the tires for good tread life as well as proper tire inflation. The battery should be tested for proper cold-cranking amperage as well as reserve capacity. Batteries typically last about 5 years before they will stop holding a charge. The oil should be replaced based on your vehicle’s regular maintenance schedule. In winter, the coolant should be checked for its freezing point as well as the level.

If it gets too cold, old coolant can freeze, causing issues with your vehicle. The belts and hoses should be inspected for cracks and glazes. If your vehicle can be put in 2WD or 4WD, you should make sure your vehicle is in 4 wheel drive for better traction in the snow. The wiper blades should be inspected to ensure they are not streaking or torn. Wiper blades are not iced scrapers and snow should be cleared from the windshield before the wiper blades are turned on. Using the windshield wipers to clear the snow will strain the wiper motor and can break the wiper arms. Before winter, all your fluids should also be checked for proper levels. Call us today to have your vehicle inspected for winter!