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January ushers in the joy of a new year as well as severe weather and uncertain road conditions. It's also a good reminder to schedule a vehicle inspection to ensure it can meet the rigors of the winter season.
Here are mid-winter maintenance checks that keep your car in top shape and running smoothly, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
Car care suggestions for safe January travels:
- Test your battery. Cold weather can turn a weak battery into a morning problem. When was the last time you had a battery charge check-up? A simple test of charging capacity can avoid sudden failures while you are traveling away from home. Batteries more than three or four years old are particularly susceptible to failure.
- Inspect tire tread depth. For safe traction on slick roads, tread depth should be at least 6/32” (4.5 mm).If you don’t have a tire gauge, perform a coin test instead. Place a coin upside down in the tread groove. Is the top of the head on the coin visible? If so, your tires may no longer provide reliable road grip. Call your service advisor for a professional inspection.
- Upgrade windshield wipers. Snow, slush and salt can wear down wipers over the season. A service shop can replace them with anti-freezing wiper blades that stay flexible in extreme temperatures. Be sure to top off your washer reservoir with a freeze-resistant formula that keeps your windshield clear in harsh winter conditions.
- Oil change and component lubrication. All drivers realize engine oil is crucial to engine performance, but it’s easy to forget when preparing for your next winter outing. Make sure your vehicle has clean fluids that are designed to handle cold temperatures for snow-bound adventures. Ask your service advisor about winter-grade oil, designed to handle freezing temperatures and circulate quickly through the engine.
- Check coolant and antifreeze levels. Routine replenishment and system flushes keep your vehicle operating properly in winter conditions. Check your owner’s manual as radiator flush intervals may vary between two to five years. An inspection of your vehicle’s heating and cooling system helps identify issues with leaks, engine performance, the climate control system and passenger comfort.
- Get brakes inspected. Brake components–such as pads, rotors and ABS sensors–may have endured weeks of harsh conditions by the time January arrives. Road salt, moisture, corrosion and freezing temperatures affect brake performance. Listen for grinding and squealing noises caused by worn brake pads. Does your vehicle take longer to stop than usual? Ask your service advisor to inspect your vehicle’s braking system.
- Replace faulty lights. Use a service professional to check your headlights, brake lights and fog lamps to make sure every bulb is working. If your headlights appear cloudy or yellowed, replace the lenses so they can shine brighter and farther. Good lighting improves visibility and increases your reaction time on dark winter roads.
- Check your vehicle’s AWD system. Make sure your all-wheel or four-wheel drive system is working properly by having a service professional check the transfer case and differential fluid. Keeping these components in good condition maintains maximum traction, especially on wet and icy roads.
- Schedule a pre-trip alignment check. Snow covered curbs, deep ice ruts and potholes can knock your wheels out of alignment. Service shops can carry out the necessary checks to reset your wheels and stabilize the vehicle on slippery winter roads. A correct alignment also protects suspension components and saves you money down the road.
- Test your exhaust system. Even a small crack or hole can quickly become a serious problem in freezing conditions. Have a service professional check for leaks or damages and ensure carbon monoxide is not seeping into the cabin.
Other reminders for safe winter travels
There’s more to safe January driving than a well-performing vehicle. Take some extra precautions before and during travel.
- Replenish winter emergency kit. Restock essentials like flashlight batteries, first-aid supplies, road flares, washer fluid and de-icer spray. Service shops sell and recommend reliable kit replacements. Top off any items you may have used in previous months and keep your kit fully stacked for the rest of winter.
- Keep the vehicle gas tank half full. Maintaining a fuel tank at least half full gives you extra protection if you get stuck in traffic or face delays during a snowstorm. It also helps prevent condensation inside the tank, which can cause a fuel line freezing and corrosion inside the tank.
- Check door and trunk seals. January’s freeze-thaw cycles can cause seals to crack, stick or leak. Keep rubber seals on doors and the truck pliable with rubber treatment designed for vehicles.
- Consider rust-proofing. Your vehicle’s consistent exposure moisture, slush and road salt can cause rust. Consider an underbody coating as a protective barrier against corrosion.
- Midway inspection for long road trips. Even a properly maintained vehicle can develop problems on a long winter excursion. Plan a service center stop midway through your journey. Other midway vacation inspections include:
- Be aware of signs your vehicle battery may be starting to fail. Telltale signs include windows that retract slowly, starter system working harder than normal, vehicle lights dimming and wiper blades operating slowly.
- Top off washer fluid, antifreeze and oil if necessary.
- Are your front and rear wiper blades causing streaks or chattering? Worn blades can damage glass surfaces and reduce driving visibility, especially at nighttime. Replace rather than waiting until you return home.
- Did your vehicle encounter any road debris or potholes? Check wheel alignment and tire damage.
- Make sure your vehicle’s tires have plenty of tread life and are not underinflated. Improper tire pressure can cause blowouts while proper tread helps improve grip on cold roads.
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