Sechelt, BC
Tue-Fri: 8:00am – 6:00pm
604-740-4802
Winter can be so challenging for you and your vehicle. Slush, ice, snow, and salting of the roads force more stress on the different parts of your car. Vehicle maintenance checks and services to be conducted before and during the winter are ways to ensure your vehicle is in the proper condition for the winter season.
Inspection of battery and charging system
The extreme cold is brutal on car batteries; that’s why battery deaths are usually higher during the winter. Let a professional check the battery charge and capacity of your computer. If you are using a battery that is older than three years, you should consult with the professionals to get it tested and changed if needed. Also, check battery cables and connections, and if they appear to be dirty or in any way, get them cleaned or replaced. There should be no problems with the alternator belt and pulleys.
Get an Engine Tune-Up
It can also be argued that regular maintenance, especially by a certified mechanic, can get the most out of your engine and efficiency in terms of fuel consumption. Maintenance tasks include tasks like examining spark plugs and ignition leads, testing filter systems, checking exhaust systems, and synchronizing the timing of the engine. Generally, you should go for a tune-up after every six thousand to eight thousand miles. Still, it is always good to follow your carmaker’s advice on when to tune up your car next.
Check the Cooling System
This is a sage move to get a cooling system flush done before winter starts to rear its ugly head. In due course, the coolant loses its capability of preventing the formation of a frozen layer on the surfaces of the cooling system. Sustenance workers should look out for leakage and examine the hose’s cracks and the drive belt’s tightness, which tend to expand in cold or hot environments. In particular, the coolant should be at the right concentration, as the car manufacturer recommends.
Check Brakes
As you may have noticed, winter weather can cause a lot of problems with your brakes if they were present beforehand. Make it a point that a mechanic scrutinizes the brake pads, shoes, rotors and drums for signs of wear out. Make it a point to always check that your brake fluid levels are correct and to have the fluid flushed as per the maintenance schedule of your car. Winter brake pads should also be introduced to enhance the braking ability in the winter and on snow-covered roads.
Ensure that wipers and de-icing systems are functioning correctly.
Ensure that the windshield wipers of your car are in good condition and effectively wipe off the snow, ice, and road dirt when driving in bad weather. They call for the use of winter wiper blades with high rubber content to ensure they serve you during the harsh winter season. Ensure that your defroster is working effectively to clear the windows and that your rear window de-icer is well-functional.
Inspect Tires
One of the significant causes of the drop in tire pressure is as a result of the low temperatures in winter. Inspect all the tires and look for signs of an improper level of inflation, signs of uneven wear and tension, and tread depth. Depending on the climate, it might be advisable to upgrade to high-performance winter tires for better performance in snow and ice. All-season tyres have less grip and become rigid in extreme cold, below 45°F temperatures. Maybe rotate tires as it is suggested in your owner’s manual or once every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. Also, look at the condition of tire chains for any signs of crack or any worn-out part of the chain.
Check Exhaust System
Consult an experienced car technician when it comes to exhaust pipes, mufflers, and other emission devices. Check for signs of rust and dents and also search for leaks or cracks and if any, check for loud noises that are produced by them. Ensure all free clamps or other components that may let the circulation of carbon monoxide into the vehicle cabin are fixed or replaced.
Change the Windshield Washer Fluid
Ensure that you use the proper windshield washer solvent in winter, especially when it has to deal with salt, grime, and dirt on your windshield. Ensure that the reservoir tank always contains solvent suitable for temperatures that are well below the freezing point. It would be advisable to have a winter front put up to keep the reservoir fluid warm.
Test Drive Vehicle
Go for a drive in your warmed-up vehicle and then pay close attention to the check engine light, new vibrations, or some new sound. Check that heating and defrost systems are producing sufficient warm blasts. The next operation of the test covers the braking system to ensure it is functioning correctly. Make sure all the exterior lights and turning signals are functioning as they should. Many times, taking your car for a test drive now will help you identify issues before winter hits.
It is also essential to take advantage of the professional services offered for the various solutions presented.
If you take good care of your car and ensure that all the features are in good condition, the vehicle will be able to provide the necessary services to get you through the harshest winter. However, this can be a challenge, especially when considering the ability to conduct proper inspection and service of the automobile. Going to professional auto shops or dealership service departments is convenient and can give you that good feeling.
Technicians always have the competence, the tools and the environment to make the correct diagnosis about your car. They can identify more issues at an earlier stage than most people would be able to do before they become significant sources of repair difficulties in the future. It is true that many mechanics are updated on the latest technology and repair of cars.
Auto services also consider your security when embarking on a business. For instance, break linings that are worn out will result in either increased distances that are required to stop or complete inability to do so during winter road conditions. A technician differs in the fact that he can detect and change worn brake pads as soon as possible before they become a problem.
Hence, it is not advisable to attempt to repair your car doing it yourself unless you have the expertise, tools, and experience. Take your vehicles to professional auto services to ensure that they handles extended and rigorous winter seasons in the best manner possible.