Cold weather can be tough on vehicles, especially in the Upper Midwest, where winters are notoriously harsh. At Brake and Equipment, we’ve served the region for over 55 years, ensuring drivers can access quality auto and truck parts. To keep your car running smoothly and reliably in freezing conditions, here are practical tips and maintenance steps to help you tackle the winter season.
1. Keep Your Battery in Top Shape
Freezing temperatures can significantly reduce your car’s battery performance. A weak battery may struggle to start your engine, leaving you stranded in the cold. Here’s what to do:
● Test Your Battery: Have your battery tested to ensure it’s holding a proper charge.
● Clean Terminals: Check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them if necessary.
● Replace If Necessary: If your battery is over three years old, consider replacing it
before winter.
2. Maintain Proper Tire Health
Your tires are critical for maintaining traction on icy or snowy roads. Follow these steps to ensure they’re up to the challenge:
● Check Tread Depth: Ensure your tires have sufficient tread to grip slippery surfaces.
● Adjust Tire Pressure: Cold weather can cause tire pressure to drop. Check and adjust
pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
● Consider Winter Tires: Winter tires provide better grip in snow and ice due to their
specialized tread patterns and rubber compounds.
3. Ensure Your Brakes Are Reliable
Your brakes are your first line of defense on slippery roads. Inspect them regularly for signs of wear:
● Check Pads and Rotors: Replace worn brake pads and inspect rotors for any damage.
● Listen for Noises: Grinding or squealing noises can indicate brake issues that need
immediate attention.
● Use Quality Parts: At Brake and Equipment, we stock high-quality brake components to
ensure safe winter driving.
4. Use the Right Fluids
Fluids play a vital role in your car’s operation, and cold weather can affect their performance. Keep these fluids in check:
● Antifreeze: Ensure your coolant is at the proper level and mixture to prevent freezing.
● Engine Oil: Consider switching to a winter-grade oil that flows more easily in cold
temperatures.
● Washer Fluid: Use washer fluid designed for freezing conditions to maintain visibility
during snow and slush.
5. Inspect Wiper Blades and Lights
Visibility is crucial in winter driving conditions. Here’s how to maintain it:
● Replace Wiper Blades: If your blades are streaking or skipping, replace them with winter-grade wipers designed to handle ice and snow.
● Check Lights: Make sure all headlights, taillights, and turn signals function properly—clean foggy lenses to improve brightness.
6. Warm Up Your Car Responsibly
It’s tempting to let your car idle for long periods in the morning to warm it up, but this can cause unnecessary wear and waste fuel. Instead:
● Limit Idling: Modern engines require only a few minutes to warm up.
● Drive Gently: Start driving slowly to help your engine and transmission warm up
naturally.
7. Protect Against Freezing Doors and Locks
Frozen doors and locks are a common winter annoyance. Prevent this by:
● Lubricating Locks: Using a graphite or silicone-based lubricant keeps locks from freezing.
● Applying Rubber Seal Protectant: Treat door seals with a rubber conditioner to prevent them from sticking.
8. Keep Your Gas Tank Full
Keeping your gas tank at least half full helps prevent fuel line freeze-ups and ensures you have enough fuel in case of emergencies.
9. Prepare an Emergency Kit
Winter emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Stock your car with these essentials:
● Jumper cables
● Blanket and warm clothing
● Ice scraper and snow brush
● Non-perishable snacks and water
● Flashlight with extra batteries
● First aid kit
10. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Routine maintenance is the key to avoiding breakdowns in winter. Schedule a pre-winter checkup with a trusted mechanic to inspect all critical systems, from your brakes to your exhaust.
Trust Brake and Equipment for Winter Readiness
Winter car care doesn’t have to be stressful. At Brake and Equipment, we’re here to help you confidently navigate the season. Our full-line automotive warehouse stocks everything you need to keep your vehicle in top condition, from high-quality brakes to winter-ready wiper blades and more.
Visit Brake and Equipment today or stop by our warehouse to find the parts and expertise you need to keep your car running well this winter. Drive safely and stay prepared for the challenges of cold-weather driving!
