Winter Vehicle Maintenance Tips

The winter months can be particularly challenging for your vehicle. Falling temperatures and earlier sunsets are two of the most noticeable effects. But is your vehicle prepared yet? At Steele Mitsubishi service centre, we are here to provide some helpful tips to help you get your vehicle ready for the winter months.

Get Your Car a Checkup

We at Steele Mitsubishi care that you and your vehicle make it through the winter months unscathed.
The snow and wet weather typically associated with winter can really affect your tires, which are the first line of defence, keeping your vehicle in contact with the road. Be sure to choose winter tires, which provide more grip and a shorter stopping distance on slippery roads.
In the colder months, the battery drains more quickly. First, ensure your battery is not at the end of its lifespan. You can check it when doing your winter car maintenance. Also, you can avoid risking a dead battery by making more extended trips. It is impossible to give the battery a full recharge during a short trip, so be careful, or else you might find that the vehicle won't start when you need it.

Normal windshield wiper fluid typically solidifies at subfreezing temperatures. Buying windshield wiper fluid that contains antifreeze is a prudent precaution. This can stay liquid even when the temperature is below freezing. To identify antifreeze windshield wiper fluid, look for its distinctive blue colour.
Being winter-ready means not only having the right gear but also having the wits to handle any emergency that may arise.

Avoid Using the Hand Brake

A hand brake has the potential to freeze in colder weather. Consequently, you shouldn't use it if the temperature is below freezing. Frost shouldn't be an issue with some vehicles' electronic handbrakes, which run on electricity rather than cables. Allow the engine to run for 15 minutes if your handbrake is frozen and stuck. The handbrake cable will defrost on its own in this manner.

Keep Your Distance

The most important advice when driving in wintry conditions is to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, significantly more than you typically do. This is because stopping takes much longer on a slippery, icy, or snow-covered road.

Don't Forget Your Jumper Cables

After a few years, your battery may malfunction in freezing temperatures. If the batter has an issue, you'll want to make sure you have jumper cables, which you should keep in the trunk.

Take Plenty of Precautions

Stock up on necessities to see you through the cold season, including the following items:

• Ice scraper
• Coolant and antifreeze for windshield wipers
• Defrosters for the lock and windshield
• Warm blankets in case of emergency

Steele Mitsubishi Car Centre

At the Steele Mitsubishi service centre, we are here to answer all your questions regarding your vehicle's winter car care. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.