December marks the beginning of winter, and while Phoenix winters are pretty mild, with kids out of school for holiday breaks and more travel, there are still some essential winter vehicle maintenance items that you should not ignore. We are going to review some tips for things you can do to keep your vehicle merry and bright this holiday and winter season.
Essential Winter Vehicle Maintenance Tips
Living in Phoenix means that we don’t have to worry about things that people in other parts of the country do. Unless you plan on traveling to a winterscape somewhere, winter tires are probably out of the question. While in other areas of the country people are loading their ice scrapers in their cars, we may still be wearing shorts; however, that doesn’t mean that your vehicle couldn’t use some attention. Let’s take a look at some things that we consider to be essential winter vehicle maintenance needs for Phoenix area drivers.
- Check Your Battery: Colder weather can significantly affect your vehicle’s battery performance. To avoid being left stranded on a chilly winter morning, have your battery tested before the season begins. If it shows signs of weakness or is nearing the end of its lifespan, consider replacing it. Check out our article on some cold weather vehicle battery issues you may face in the upcoming months.
- Inspect Your Tires: Tire pressure can be an issue during the winter due to the colder temperatures. As it gets cooler, even if just throughout the night, your tires can lose pressure. Improper tire pressure reduces control of the car in all conditions, proper inflation is especially important in wet situations. Also, check the tread depth to ensure it meets the recommended minimum requirement. Tires with low tread are more prone to slipping on wet surfaces.
- Change Your Oil and Other Fluids: Cold weather can affect the viscosity of your vehicle’s fluids, including oil, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, and coolant. Ensure that all fluids are at the appropriate levels and not dirty or soiled and check for any leaks. In our article “Are Your Vehicle’s Fluids Ready for Colder Weather?” we review some of the most important vehicle fluids to check for this time of the year.
- Examine Your Brakes: Another essential winter vehicle maintenance tip it to check your brakes before the colder weather starts to settle in. Properly functioning brakes are critical for safe driving. Have your brake pads, rotors, and brake lines inspected for wear and tear. If needed, replace worn-out components to maintain optimal braking performance.
- Test Your Vehicle Lights: This is something that many drivers fail to do throughout the year. Walk around your car, truck, or SUV and make sure all of your lights are working as they should be. It’s a good idea to have someone in the vehicle hitting the brakes and using the turning signals so you can be sure they are functioning as they should. The winter months bring shorter days, so it’s important to ensure your headlights, brake lights, and all other exterior lights on your vehicle are in working condition.
When it comes to keeping your vehicle merry and bright this winter and beyond, you should be proactive. While we have only reviewed a few of our top winter vehicle maintenance tips, there are other things you should do as well. Such as checking your wiper blades, making sure your heating system is working as it should, and more.
If you want to prepare your vehicle for the colder weather ahead or need any Phoenix automotive repairs, Advanced Transmissions & Emissions is here for you. Contact us today.
