Eight Important Maintenance Tips For January Travel

When it comes to winter driving, it pays to be diligent. Snow, ice, sleet and freezing temperatures mean potential pitfalls for motorists traveling this winter, and that’s why it’s important to be prepared.

Wondering how you can get yourself and your vehicle ready for the inclement weather? The following vehicle maintenance tips can help keep your family safe no matter where you drive this winter.

1. Check All Exterior Lights

“The first step to safe winter driving is making sure other motorists can see you and you can see them,” says Tony Molla, industry expert and former executive at Automotive Service Association. “Be sure all lights and wipers are functioning correctly, particularly if you live and drive in the snow belt.”

Remember, traditional bulbs lose up to 20 percent of their brightness within two years, according to Sylvania estimates. And not all replacement parts are created equal. Some vehicles may be able to use LED replacement bulbs; others require halogen or traditional bulbs.

2. Peak Under The Hood

Nothing helps prevent vehicle issues away from home more than a seasonal inspection. When you get your next oil change, request an inspection of the various belts and hoses.

Other simple but important details that matter when driving in the cold include a check of the vehicle’s electrical system, climate control system, charging system and starter.

3. Check Your Battery Before Traveling

Corrosion accumulated during summer months can create problems in winter months. Also, vehicle battery power often drops anytime there’s a dramatic change in temperature–hot to cold or cold to hot.

A quick inspection can determine how well it’s holding a charge. Before you leave town for a winter getaway, have your technician test your battery and check cables as well. Terminals crusted with sulfate can impede electrical charge in your vehicle’s starter system.

4. Fill Your Washer Fluid

Keep your reservoir of washer fluid topped off at all times, particularly when you’ll be driving in winter conditions. It’s an easy thing to do and equally easy to forget. Windshields rarely stay clear for long in winter weather, and a full washer tank can keep you driving safely.

5. Have Your Brakes Checked

On icy, slick winter roads, functional brakes can save your life. Don’t leave any chance for them to fail when you need them most.

Follow these important brake system reminders for safe winter driving:

• Do you feel vibration when you apply the brakes (don’t confuse it with the rapid pulsing caused by the antilock brake system)?
• Do you hear scraping or squealing sounds?
• Have you checked if your vehicle and trailer brake lights are working properly?
• Are your brakes spongy or does the brake pedal touch the floor?

6. Avoid Alignment Problems

Does your vehicle pull to one side or the other? It may need an alignment adjustment. Proper alignment can help prevent your vehicle from drifting on winter roads, and it also extends the life of your tires.

7. Keep Up On Oil Changes In January

Clean oil helps your engine operate more efficiently, and synthetic oil can make it easier to start your engine in cold weather. Look at oil weight to help choose which product to use in extreme cold or heat.

As an example, oil with a rating of 5W-30 indicates its ability to flow at different driving conditions. The first half of the rating describes how well oil handles cold temperatures. A lower number means it performs better in cold climates. The second part of the rating refers to viscosity of oil under normal, temperature conditions.

A lower rating can help improve fuel economy. Ask your service advisor which rating is best for your specific vehicle.

8. Inspect Your Tires & Switch If Needed

“If you plan on driving in snow and ice filled regions of the country, it’s worth investing in a good set of winter or all-weather tires,” Molla said.

In contrast, all-season tires are designed for rainy weather and places where the sun shines frequently.

Ask your service advisor about the best make and model for your vehicle, then have them installed well before the snow flies. If you’ve already got a set of winters, inspect them carefully before installation, making sure they’ve got plenty of tread wear left, haven’t gotten too old, and don’t have any sidewall cracks.