Winter Auto Maintenance Checklist

Winter weather is just around the corner, along with winter driving. It is very important have your vehicle inspected by you or an auto mechanic before the cold winter weather hits. A good vehicle inspection can prevent you from being stranded out in the cold.

It is a good idea to keep a maintenance log, to make sure everything gets check. Your vehicle should be inspected two times a year, before winter and in the spring. Inspections are important because the change in weather can be a threat to your vehicle’s system if is not maintain properly.

Freezing temps, salted roads and perception can harm to your vehicle if it is not inspected. These winter maintenance tips can keep your vehicle in good shape during the winter months:

1 .Check your antifreeze- Most vehicles, now of days, require a mixture of water and antifreeze, 50/50, in their radiators. The antifreeze level needs to be 50/50 or close to it. An auto mechanic can check the level for you, or a tester can be brought for around $5. It is recommended that the radiator should be flush out every spring.

2. Inspect your tires- The National Highway Transportation Safety Board recommends that you need at least 2/32” of tire tread to be safe. Anything less than 4/32” or 1/8” needs to be replace immediately. The old penny test is still a dependable way to check tire thread. Another important note is to keep checking your tire pressure. It is a fact that tires lose a little pressure in cold weather, so keep them pump up.

3. Replace your wipers- Windshield wipers help you in two ways: First, they keep snow falling from the sky off your windshield. Second, they keep your windshield clean from soupy muck that splashes up on your windshield when traveling down a soupy road. The muck might contain a mixture of sand, salt, and water, so having wipers that are in excellent shape can keep you and your windshield safe and clean.

4. Check your windshield washer fluid- It is important to keep your washer fluid full, to keep your windshield clean from that muck on the road. Tip: Don’t fill the washer fluid reservoir with anything expect washer fluid. Windshield washer fluid won’t freeze.

Following these winter auto maintenance tips can keep your vehicle and most importantly you safe in these winter months.