Winter Car Care Tips to Keep You Safe on PNW Roads
Winter in the PNW can be tough on your vehicle. From wet roads to freezing temperatures, the season brings unique challenges. At Graham Auto Repair we're here to help you keep your vehicle safe, reliable, and ready for the road. Below you'll find 12 essential tips to protect your vehicle in the winter, along with expert advise and services to ensure a smooth and worry-free drive.
12 Winter Auto Care Tips to Keep Your Vehicle Safe
- Check Your Tires: Inspect your tire tread depth and air pressure to ensure optimal grip on icy and wet PNW roads. Cold weather can lower tire pressure, so keep them properly inflated.
- Test Your Car Battery: Cold weather can weaken your car battery so it's important to have it tested. If it shows any signs of wear, replace it to avoid unwanted breakdowns.
- Replace Wiper Blades: Visibility is key in rain, snow, and fog. Replace your wiper blades and fill up with winter-ready windshield washer fluid.
- Check Your Fluids: Fluids are your car's lifeline, they protect your engine and improve performance. Ensure your antifreeze, engine oil, and brake fluid are all at the correct levels.
- Inspect Your Brakes: Winter roads in the PNW can be wet, icy, and unpredictable. Have your brake system inspected to ensure it's ready to keep you safe during holiday and winter travels.
- Pack a Winter Emergency Kit: Prepare for the unexpected! Include items like a blanket, flashlight, snacks, bottled water, jumper cables, warm clothes, boots, emergency flares, inflated spare tire, tire iron & jack, ice scraper, snow brush, and a tire air inflator.
- Check Your Antifreeze: Antifreeze doesn't just protect your engine from freezing--it also prevents overheating and corrosion. Test your antifreeze levels with test strips or a hydrometer to ensure they're just right for cold winter weather.
- Test Your Heater and Defroster: Colder weather can mean foggy and icy windows. Stay comfortable and ensure visibility by testing your heater and defroster before you hit the road this winter.
- Check Your Lights: Shorter days and winter weather mean you will rely on your vehicle's lights more than ever. Ensure all headlights, taillights, fog lights, reverse lights and turn signals are functioning correctly for better visibility and safety.
- Replace Your Cabin Air Filter: Different than your engine's air filter, this one cleans the air you breathe inside your vehicle. Summer dust, pollen, and debris can clog the cabin air filter, reducing airflow and air quality. A fresh filter makes for a healthier, more comfortable winter drive.
- Rotate Your Tires: Regular tire rotations prevent uneven wear. This will improve safety and extend their lifespan. Enjoy more miles with less wear!
- Inspect Your Belts and Hoses: Cold weather can cause belts to crack and hoses to leak. A quick inspection can prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Need Professional Assistance?
Not sure if your car is winter-ready? Our expert technicians are here to help with comprehensive vehicle inspections and services tailored to each season.
📅 Click Here to Book Your Appointment Online
📞 Call Us: Graham: (253) 375-8343 | Yelm: (360) 515-9776