Winter Maintenance FAQs
Winter Maintenance FAQs
Posted on November 25, 2021
Winter can be a tough time for a car, with the engineering put under increasing pressure and stress as the mercury drops. And while you can't do much about the weather over the colder months, there's plenty you can do to prepare your car for the worst that the Ottawa climate can throw at you. Follow this winter services checklist and you can be confident that your vehicle will pass the test however cold the mornings become.
1) When Should I Switch to Winter Tires?
It's important to make the switch to winter tires long before the first snowfall is predicted, or you could find yourself trapped by an early and unexpected storm. In general, you should change over when the average temperature is reliably at 7°C or lower, as winter tires will give better grip even when there's no snow or ice on the road.
2) Why is Correct Tire Pressure More Important in Winter?
And once you've switched over to winter tires, make a habit of checking the pressure every couple of weeks. When handling is slippery you need the tires to provide every last bit of grip they can, and this means keeping them correctly inflated.
3) Do I Need to Replace Coolant Fluids?
It's vital to check that your car's coolant levels are fully topped up. However, it's also a good idea to completely flush the system and replace the fluids if they're more than five years old. Older antifreeze can start to turn acidic as it degrades, potentially corroding your whole coolant system with damaging results.
4) Which Oil is Best for Winter?
If you're due an oil change before winter begins, consider switching from your regular engine oil to a synthetic product instead. Synthetic oils perform better at low temperatures, giving your engine and other components essential extra protection while they warm up on a freezing morning.
5) Why Should I Check the Battery?
It's a sensible idea to get your battery checked before the cold weather sets in. Dark, icy mornings make it more difficult for your car to start, and puts the battery under more strain. What's more, you'll likely be running with lights and heaters on from the minute you start the engine, draining the juice even quicker. Making sure your battery has plenty of life left will greatly lower the risks of you getting stuck in an immobile car on a cold January night.
6) What Should I Pack for Emergencies?
Lastly, even if your car stands up to the rigours of winter weather, you can't guarantee you won't get caught up in a storm that stops traffic. Prepare an emergency winter kit to keep in your trunk, including blankets, a torch, water, and high-energy snacks to keep you comfortable if you're stranded in snow for a few hours.
High-Quality, Professional Winter Services at Myers
The best way to prepare your car for winter is to book a service at your local Myers dealership. Our fully trained technicians will follow a winter maintenance checklist specifically designed for your make and model of vehicle, to ensure you'll see spring arrive with your car in the best of health.