4 Vehicle Maintenance Tips to Survive Winter in Pine City

Posted at Fri, Jan 17, 2020 3:30 PM

Winter is well underway in Minnesota. And while you may be prepared for the snow, sleet, and ice with a warm coat, hat, and gloves, is your vehicle fully prepared?

Vehicles often need extra attention and regular service appointments during the winter months in order to keep you safe on the roads. Here are four tips to keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape this winter season:

Test the Battery

Frigid temperatures can take a hit on your vehicle’s battery. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, a battery has only about half the power at 0 degrees fahrenheit that it has at 80 degrees.

If it’s been more than five years since your battery was replaced, get it inspected. A professional will be able to tell you how much life it has left and if they recommend replacing the battery. Remember, it’s better to get it checked out now, before you’re stuck in the cold with a dead battery!

Don’t Delay Oil Changes

Regular oil changes are always important, but are especially necessary in the winter. Motor oil often thickens when cold, which can make it difficult for the engine to turn over.

Your engine already works harder in the winter, so be kind to it and get your oil changed at least every 3,000-5,000 miles.

Replace Wiper Blades

Your vehicle’s wiper blades are essential to winter driving, as they keep your windshield clear from the snow and sleet that can reduce visibility.

Wiper blades on Pine City vehicles get a lot of use throughout the year, and their lifespan may not be as long as you think. Even the best-performing wiper blades can lose their effectiveness in as little as six months.

When you start to see streaks or missed areas of glass, these are signs that it’s time to schedule your wiper blade replacement service.

Consider New Tires

Slipping and sliding on ice covered roads is harder to do if you have the proper Pine City tires.

If your tires are getting worn down (as all do eventually), they lose the traction necessary to grip the road. If it’s been five years or roughly 50,000 miles since your vehicle had new tires, it’s time for a tire inspection.

You can also invest in winter tires that are designed with specific tread patterns and rubber compounds to grip snow and ice-covered roads. These types of tires often have a shorter life than typical all-season tires, but many people find the extra safety is worth the investment.