Winter Car Maintenance: Top Tips

You probably perform a variety of tasks in order to prepare for the winter. You might drag all of your warm clothes out of storage, have your chimney cleaned and schedule furnace servicing. Have you ever considered that your car might require special winter maintenance as well? Here are five important, but simple, winter car maintenance tips you can use to keep your auto going strong all season long.

Windshield Wiper Blades

Clean, maintain and look over your windshield wiper blades thoroughly. This car maintenance tip can protect your windshield from damaging scratches and, more importantly, ensure clear vision during wet, snowy winter weather. To clean the blades, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spritz the mixture onto the blades and wipe them with a sponge or clean, damp cloth. Tighten the screws on the wiper arms. Lubricate the joints of the arms if they are rusty or stiff. Spray the windshield with water and turn the wipers on. If they vibrate, scratch, leave streaks or appear torn or ragged, replace them.

Battery

Test and perform required maintenance on your car battery. Those brutal winter mornings can take a toll on the battery. Don't wait to find yourself stuck out in the cold with a car that will not start. Check the battery cables and terminals for corrosion or possible loose connections. Clean the terminals or replace the cables if necessary. Unless you have a sealed battery, check the battery fluid and top it off if it looks low. Winter is a good time to make sure your battery is still going strong, as well. Stop by your favorite auto parts store, as most will test your battery at no charge.

Tires

Tire safety is always an important factor in car maintenance. Since winter brings compounded road hazards, such as ice, more potholes and poor visibility, it is crucial that you confirm that your tires are in good repair. Check the air pressure once a month using a tire gauge, and keep tires inflated to the recommended PSI. Check for uneven wear on either side of each tire. Insert a penny with Lincoln's head facing you and turned upside down, into a groove between the tread. If all of his head is visible, your tires need to be replaced. Having your tires balanced and rotated is an advisable winter maintenance tip, as well.

Belts and Hoses

Give belts and hoses a once - or twice - over. Think of hoses as your car's arterial system, carrying vital fluids to all the necessary places. Belts are essential, as well, allowing moving parts to do their thing. These parts are especially susceptible to damage during winter's cold weather. Check for cracks, bulges or visible leaks and replace if required.

Fluids

Change or top off your car's fluids. Changing the oil and air filter is an important car maintenance tip year-round, but especially critical during the winter. If you live in an especially cold climate with winter temps often at or below freezing, consider switching out your current oil for 5W-30, which has a lower viscosity and can lubricate your engine more rapidly on a cold day. Check all of your car's other fluids, such as coolant, power steering, windshield washer and brake fluids, and fill them up as needed. If you have not flushed your car's cooling system in a year or two, work this into your winter maintenance regime. By following these winter car maintenance tips, you can cruise into the colder weather with less worry.