As winter weather approaches, the risk of snow, ice, and hazardous driving conditions increases. Preparing your car with essential pre-winter maintenance is one of the best ways to stay safe and ensure your vehicle remains reliable in challenging conditions.
Seasonal Car Maintenance: A Critical Step for Your Safety
Winter weather can create hazardous road conditions, leading to accidents. In 2022 alone, there were 498 fatal crashes caused by snow and sleet conditions, not to mention thousands of injuries. Proper pre-winter maintenance can significantly reduce these risks.
Winter Tires: A Necessity, Not a Luxury
One of the most crucial steps for winter safety is swapping out your all-season tires for snow tires. Snow tires are specifically designed to provide better traction on icy roads. They also maintain better grip at lower temperatures, saving you from potential accidents and increasing the lifespan of your all-season tires.
Steps for Cold Weather Maintenance
Check Your Tires
Check the tread depth using the quarter test to ensure they’re safe for hazardous, slushy driving. Make sure your tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. For better traction in snowy conditions, consider switching to snow tires.
Test Your Battery
Cold weather reduces battery power. Visit a mechanic to check its condition and replace it if necessary.
Fluid Checkup
Add winter-grade windshield washer fluid to prevent freezing and ensure clear visibility during icy conditions. Also, double-check the levels of coolant, oil, and other essential fluids to avoid any issues in extreme temperatures. Proper fluid maintenance helps protect your engine from freezing and ensures your car runs smoothly in the cold. Keeping these fluids topped off and in optimal condition will also improve your vehicle's performance and reliability during cold months.
Upgrade Your Wipers
Invest in heavy-duty winter blades for better visibility. These specialized blades are designed to effectively clear snow, ice, and sleet, ensuring your windshield remains unobstructed even in the harshest conditions. Unlike standard wiper blades, cold-weather versions feature a stronger, more flexible frame that allows them to withstand the weight of ice and snow buildup. With their durable rubber coating, they resist freezing and cracking in extreme cold, providing consistent, reliable performance.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Pack a snow shovel, blankets, flares, jumper cables, and other essentials in your emergency kit. A shovel helps you dig out if you're stuck, while blankets keep you warm if you're stranded. Flares or reflective markers increase visibility in low-light or snowy conditions, and jumper cables are essential for restarting a dead battery. Add non-perishable snacks, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit for extra peace of mind. With these items, you'll be better prepared for any winter driving emergency.
Prepare your car today and drive confidently all season long. Proper winter car care isn't just a necessity—it's a lifesaver.
Don't delay, visit Infiniti of West Chester today for service you can trust. Whether you're visiting for seasonal maintenance and check-over or for emergency repair, we're here to help. Take advantage of Infiniti Premium Care with maintenance coverage for all 2023 and newer vehicles including a variety of scheduled maintenance needs including tire rotations and oil changes. We look forward to seeing you at Infiniti of West Chester this season!
