What do I need to make sure gets done to my car before winter?
I know. Nobody wants to hear this right now. It's sunny and 70 degrees outside this week; there isn't a cloud in the sky, and I'm over here talking about winter.
Sorry, but we live in Ohio. We all know how this works. It's 70 degrees today, 35 tomorrow, and by next Tuesday we're scraping ice off the windshield with an old Speedway rewards card because we can't remember where we put the ice scraper.
So, while the weather is beautiful, now is actually the perfect time to make sure your vehicle is ready for what's coming.
Test the Battery
Your battery can act perfectly healthy all summer and then decide it's had enough the first
morning the temperature hits 10 degrees. Cold weather doesn't necessarily kill a good battery, but it has a wonderful way of exposing a weak one. Have your battery and charging system tested before winter.
It's much more enjoyable to replace a weak battery while your car is sitting in a warm shop than at 6:30 on a January morning while you're standing in the driveway in your pajamas turning the key and hearing…
Click…click…click.
That's not a sound anybody wants to start their day with.
Check Your Tires
This is probably the biggest safety item on the list. Make sure you have good tread, even tire wear, and proper air pressure. As temperatures drop, tire pressures drop too—which is why that tire-pressure light seems to celebrate the first cold morning of every fall.
And remember: four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive help you go. They don't magically help you stop. I've yet to see a four-wheel-drive system defeat the laws of physics. Good tires matter.
Check Your Coolant
There's a reason we call it antifreeze. Your coolant needs to have adequate freeze protection, and coolant doesn't last forever. As it ages, it also loses some of its ability to protect the cooling system from corrosion. If you have no idea when yours was last serviced, that's usually a pretty good sign it's worth checking.
Check the Brakes
Snow and ice are not the ideal conditions to discover your brakes were already questionable. Have the pads, rotors, calipers, hoses, and brake fluid inspected.
Here in Ohio, road salt is especially hard on brake components. Rust and corrosion can cause things to stick, bind, and wear unevenly.
At Solomon's Garage, we can even perform a complete brake disassembly, clean, and lubrication service when appropriate. A little preventative maintenance can sometimes add years to the life of brake components, and I'd much rather find a brake problem in October than during the first snowstorm while you're sliding toward the back of somebody else's car.
Replace Those Wiper Blades
You know who you are. If your wipers leave 14 streaks across the windshield and one tiny clear spot that you have to lean sideways to see through, they're worn out. Replace them.
Also make sure your windshield washer fluid is rated for freezing temperatures. You'll appreciate this the first time you're following a semi down a salty highway and it sprays enough road grime onto your windshield to season a Thanksgiving turkey.
Get the Vehicle Inspected
Winter has a way of turning small problems into big ones. Belts, hoses, fluid leaks, lights, suspension components, exhaust issues, and other problems are much nicer to discover before it's 12 degrees outside. That's one reason we inspect every vehicle that comes through Solomon's Garage. We want you to know what we see so you can make an informed decision about what needs attention now, what can wait, and what you should plan for later.
We're not trying to find reasons to replace everything on your car. We're trying to prevent your car from ruining your Tuesday.
Throw Some Emergency Stuff in the Car
A blanket, gloves, flashlight, phone charger, ice scraper, jumper cables or a jump pack, and a few basic supplies aren't a bad idea either. Hopefully you'll never use any of it, but if you do end up sitting alongside an Ohio road in January, you'll be glad you have something besides three old McDonald's receipts and a pair of sunglasses in the glovebox.
Enjoy the 70 Degrees…While It Lasts
So yes, I realize I'm being that girl. It's sunny. It's 70 degrees. Not a cloud in the sky, and I'm telling you to get ready for snow and freezing temperatures.
But that's exactly why now is the time to do it.
Test the battery. Check the tires and brakes. Make sure the coolant is protected. Replace the wipers, and have the vehicle inspected.
Budget for maintenance and repairs while you have a few paychecks left before winter.
Then, go back outside and enjoy this beautiful weather.
Because, this is Ohio. By the time this article comes out, it could be snowing.
Until next time, keep the shining side up and the rubber side down!
Sincerely,
Katie Neer of Solomon's Garage, located at 122 S Detroit Street in West Liberty.
Have a question for the mechanic? Send it our way. You might see it answered in next week’s “Ask the Mechanic!” Call Dave and Katie at (937) 887-0029 for questions or to schedule an appointment for your vehicle. Visit https://www.solomonsgarage.com/ for more information.
