Five Winter Car Maintenance Tips

Between the frigid temperatures, the icy roads, and the harsh snow-melting chemicals, winter can be a rough season on your car. Avoid major repairs later by taking good care of your car all winter long. Here are five ways to keep your car running in great condition, even during the coldest months:

Refill wiper fluid. The dirt and grit from snow and road-cleaning chemicals leave most people using their wiper fluid regularly. One of the worst things to happen would be having a dirty windshield and no fluid to clean it. Keep your wiper fluid tanks full of a winter fluid solution to ensure you can always clean your windshield.

Clean the lights. Just like the windshield, your headlights can also get a layer of grime that dims the lights and makes it harder to see during dark and stormy conditions. Regularly wipe your lights and buff them with car wax for a clean and shiny look.

Check tire pressure. Tire pressure has a huge impact on gas mileage and on overall driving safety. Underinflated tires make it harder to drive through snow and ice and can lead to hydroplaning. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, tires lose a pound of pressure. Get in the habit of checking your tire pressure on a regular basis and filling them up as needed.

Change the oil. Stick to your regular oil change schedule throughout the year, but during winter it can be a good idea to switch to a winter viscosity oil (marked with a W) that is formulated to withstand the cold temperatures that make oil thicker and more difficult to flow properly.

Check for battery corrosion. One of the most important aspects of your car is the battery, which has a hard time working at full power during cold temperatures. Check the fluid level and add distilled water as needed. You can also have your battery tested at any auto store, which will give you a good idea if it?s time for a new battery. Typically, they need to be replaced every five years.