Is Your Car Ready For Winter?

Cars need seasonal checkups to maintain safety and maximize operational efficiency.  

Regular maintenance and seasonal checkups can also help prevent unexpected repair costs in the future.

AAA recommends motorists use the following checklist to determine their vehicle’s fall and winter maintenance needs:

• Have the battery and charging system tested by a trained technician. A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather.

• Make sure the battery terminals and cable ends are free from corrosion, and the connections are tight. 

• Inspect the underside of accessory drive belts for cracks or fraying. Many newer multi-rib (serpentine) belts are made of materials that do not show obvious signs of wear; replace these belts at 60,000-mile intervals.

• Inspect cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks or loose clamps. Also, squeeze the hoses and replace any that are brittle or excessively spongy feeling. 

• In areas with heavy winter weather, installing snow tires on all four wheels will provide the best winter traction. All-season tires work well in light to moderate snow conditions, provided they have adequate tread depth. Replace any tire that has less than 3/32-inches of tread. Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment, wheel balance or suspension problems that must be addressed to prevent further tire damage. 

• Check tire inflation pressure more frequently in fall and winter. As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures – typically by 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The proper tire pressure levels can be in the owner’s manual or on a sticker typically located on the driver’s side door jamb. Also, check the spare.  

• Check the engine air filter by holding it up to a 60-watt light bulb. If light can be seen through much of the filter, it is still clean enough to work effectively. However, if light is blocked by most of the filter, replace it.Coolant Levels – Check the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability. Test the antifreeze protection level with an inexpensive tester available at any auto parts store.

• Check the operation of all headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and back-up lights. Replace any burnt out bulbs. 

• Wiper blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots. In areas with snow, consider installing winter wiper blades that wrap the blade frame in a rubber boot to reduce ice and snow buildup that can prevent good contact between the blade and the glass. 

• Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a winter cleaning solution that has antifreeze components to prevent it from freezing. 

• If there is any indication of a brake problem, have the system inspected by a certified technician to ensure all components are in good working order. 

• Check all fluids to ensure they are at or above the minimum safe levels. 

• Carry an emergency kit equipped for winter weather. The kit should include a bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats, snow shovel, flashlight with extra batteries, window washer solvent, ice scraper with brush, cloth or roll of paper towels, jumper cables, extra warm clothing, blankets, warning devices, drinking water, non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers, first-aid kit, basic toolkit, mobile phone and car charger pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers including family and emergency services.