Winter Weather Vehicle Maintenance Tips: A Seasonal Refresher

Jan 4, 2024

Winter weather is rolling in, and we’ve got a checklist of items that will keep you safe on the road during snowy, blustery, and icy conditions. We’ve covered some of these before in previous seasons’ posts, but it’s always good to have a refresher. Feel free to print out our checklist and do a thorough check of your vehicles. If you need support or to schedule a maintenance appointment, feel free to call our service center and we’ll help you get your car winter ready!

Here’s some vehicle points to consider for winter weather safety:

Survey the windshield and wiper blades for any signs of damage and check fluid levels. If you notice any “stars”, cracks, or dings, be sure to schedule a windshield replacement ASAP to prevent vision hazards or injury due to further damage. Remember to replace any damaged wiper blades with new, fresh blades. We also recommend bringing your car into a garage and applying a thin coat of hydrophobic coating such as Rain-X. When replacing or topping off your wiper fluid, remember to choose one appropriate for winter weather temperatures in your area.
There’s nothing worse than hydroplaning on slushy snow or skidding out on the ice in a storm, and that’s why it’s important to ensure your tires and brakes can bring you to a safe, complete stop! Schedule an appointment to have your brakes inspected so that you can drive confidently and be safe in treacherous weather conditions. Make sure you prioritize this service check before the winter weather escalates.
Our service center will be happy to help you evaluate your tires for proper inflation and tread depth as well as ensure you’ve selected safe, efficient tires, but here’s some pointers: If you’ve not done so already, any summer tires should be swapped out for all-weather or winter tires ASAP for maximum safe road grip. Make sure to also check your tire pressure; the PSI number should match the manufacturer requirements (can be located in your manual or on a label on the side door pockets or frame), and if not, inflate until it does! Look for signs of wear and tear such as bulges and bubbles, cracks or small tears, or significant tread wear leaving bald spots; replace worn or damaged tires immediately. Make sure your spare tire or donut is in good shape and shows no signs of wear or damage; replace if necessary.
In cold weather and decreasing temperatures, your vehicle requires a bit more energy to start up. This puts an increased stress and wear on your vehicle’s battery. Ensure that the connections are cleared of any build-up and residue as well so that it makes proper contact. Call in for a service appointment and request to have the battery tested for quality, and if it needs replacing we can surely help with that!
Test your heating and ventilation and defrosting systems to ensure they’re properly functioning. You want to make sure you’ll stay nice and toasty during your commute or to keep warm while help arrives if heaven forbid any roadside emergencies occur! Call our shop to schedule a service appointment and have your vehicle’s heating system serviced if anything is amiss.

Request an inspection of electronic components like heated defrost mirrors and defroster elements to further ensure they’re in working order. Being able to properly defrost your windows and use heat to help melt frost, snow, and ice is vital for safe visibility in a storm.
Pull your vehicle into your garage or a flat surface and do your best to check the underside of your car. Be on the lookout for signs of rust, loose pipes, loose wires, or anything that might be wiggling and flopping about and causing an issue. Schedule a maintenance appointment for anything that looks rusted, torn, flapping, or otherwise out of place and our service team will replace or repair the damaged parts before they worsen further in the winter weather and lead to even more costly repairs.
Make sure to top off all fluids in your vehicle, and ensure that seasonally appropriate options have been used. This includes making sure to top off your gas tank before you hit the road, especially if inclement weather is forecasted for your area. There’s nothing worse than being stuck for a lengthy period of time due to hazardous driving conditions or a white out, and running out of fuel. You want to ensure that you’re prepared for delays and will stay warm while you wait.

Our knowledgeable and experienced auto repair service crew at Classic Body Shop is here to help you! Check out our service deals and specials for special seasonal discount and limited time promotional pricing options.