Essential Winter Auto Maintenance Guide

Expert Tips to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly This Winter Season

Taking the proper steps to prepare your vehicle for winter driving is an essential part of being ready for the cold temperatures on the way. Winters can be brutal on your car, and if you want it to get you through the winter without any breakdowns, now is the time to get it ready. Preparing your car ahead of time (especially during autumn) involves many steps, such as switching to winter tires, having your car battery inspected, and preparing a winter emergency kit. To help you and your vehicle get ready for the tough season ahead, the experts at Terra Nova GMC Buick are offering this ultimate winter car maintenance guide with expert winter car care tips, ensuring your vehicle is ready for everything the cold season brings on the road. Take a look and get winter-ready! 

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What You Need To Do Before Winter Starts

Schedule a maintenance checkup 

Routine maintenance service before the winter season helps check your battery, lights, fuses, brakes, heating and air conditioning systems, hoses, and other important components. It also ensures that the valves are properly managed, as valve caps tend to shrink in freezing temperatures—helping the vehicle deliver optimal performance in challenging weather and road conditions. 

Put snow tires on your car

Snow tires are an essential part of being able to drive safely in the winter, as they are specifically designed for driving in cold weather. Winter tires are made of a softer rubber than all-season tires and also have a different tread pattern that offers increased traction control in snow and on ice.

Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit

This may sound insignificant right now, but imagine being stranded on the roadside in the dark, chilly weather. That’s when you realize the importance of having an emergency kit handy, as it carries all the essentials you need to be prepared for everything unexpected that may come your way. An emergency kit for winter typically includes tools and accessories, such as a wheel wrench, tire chains, battery jumper cables, a windshield scraper, antifreeze for the fuel line, and extra windshield washer fluid. Additionally, it might be wise to pack some extra pairs of gloves, mittens, boots, as well as some warm blankets.

How to Maintain Your Car During the Winter Season: Top Winter Care Tips

• Lubricate doors, latches, and locks: Take time to lubricate your vehicle’s doors, hinges, door locks, and window seals, either before the start of the winter season or while driving during the season, to prevent them from freezing shut in extreme winter conditions. You can opt for a silicone lubricating compound as it works best on mechanical and rubber components without affecting their functionality.

• Keep up with your car heater and defroster: Winter in Newfoundland and Labrador is extreme, so make sure you keep up with your vehicle’s heater and defroster to ensure they are working properly. Both systems warm your vehicle, circulate warm air throughout the cabin, and prevent the windshield and windows from fogging, so ignoring their smooth functionality may lead to hazardous results. 

• Check all your fluid levels: Keep an eye on your car’s fluid levels and ensure they’re topped off so your vehicle performs properly in cold temperatures. From antifreeze to windshield washer fluid, it’s important to keep all your fluids at their proper levels.

• Check your windshield wipers: Wiper blades typically last only a year, and if you’re already experiencing some smearing when you use them, replace them. During the winter months, it’s essential that you’re able to clear your windshield when it’s snowing out and when driving on snow-melted road surfaces so you can see the road ahead of you.

• Keep an eye on the car battery: Typically, car batteries have more difficulty operating in colder weather, so you’ll want to make sure it is well-prepared for the cold months ahead. If your battery is weak, you may need to keep an eye on it throughout the season and replace it if needed. The last thing you want is to get stranded somewhere with a dead battery.

Why It’s The Perfect Time to Visit Terra Nova Motors

In addition to this comprehensive winter car maintenance guide, Terra Nova is offering exclusive deals on genuine parts, services and winter tires—helping you stay within budget as you get your vehicle ready for the challenging snow season. We’re offering: 

• Up to $120 instant savings on GM genuine parts, brake pads, and rotors with a no-charge brake inspection. You also get a guaranteed 30-day price match on new brakes*
• Up to $120 in instant rebates when you shop for a set of four new eligible tires with a guaranteed 30-day price match*

Book a Service Appointment in St.Johns, NL

If you would like to have your vehicle checked out to see if it’s ready for winter driving, please contact an automotive maintenance expert at Terra Nova GMC Buick to schedule an appointment in our service department. Moreover, if you need more information or have questions about winter auto maintenance, please feel free to get in touch with our experts at 709-364-4130, today! 

Disclaimer: For more information and to confirm offer availability, please contact the dealership