Are you Ready For the Cold? 

Winter Auto Maintenance Tips

 

As the weather turns colder, it's time to do some basic winter auto maintenance to make sure your car is ready for the for the rest of this season. Automobiles run differently in colder weather; the elements can cause greater wear-and-tear on your vehicle, and bad tires can put you at risk in icy or snowy conditions. Some of the items on the checklist below can be done yourself; for others, you will want to take your car to the Certified Service specialists at West Park Motors in Altona.

Check/change your oil

Oil lubricates the engine and absorbs heat, allowing the internal parts to work together effectively without overheating. Over time, engine oil breaks down and wears out. We recommend changing every 6000 kms or twice a year if you drive less than that.

Check your battery

The last thing you want on a cold winter day is to be stranded because your vehicle won't start. Make sure the contacts on your car battery are clean and corrosion free; and stop in at West Park to have your battery tested. I We are offering a FREE battery test during the month of January – just pull into our service drive thru. If your battery is good, we’ll let you know that. If you need a new battery, we’ll give you an instant $20 Rebate on a new AC Delco Battery. If your battery is more than four years old, consider replacing it to avoid problems.

Check hoses and belts

The rubber on your hoses and belts can deteriorate in cold weather, so look for soft spots, cracks, bulges, stretching or loose connections, and replace hoses and belts as needed. You should also keep checking these through the season as part of your regular winter auto maintenance.

Check your transmission and drive train

Cold weather can create additional wear on the transmission, so have a transmission specialist at West Park make sure everything is in working order. If you have a 4-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle, you'll also want to check the drive train.

Check heating/cooling system

Make sure you have the right mixture of antifreeze in your radiator. Also check your heater and defroster to make sure both are working properly.

Check/replace wiper blades and fluid

Rain, snow and ice can impair your visibility if your wiper blades are old and worn. If these haven't been replaced in a while, go ahead and replace them. Make sure your wiper fluid is topped off, and carry a spare bottle with you in the car.

Check tire tread

Old, worn tires lose traction in snow or ice. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, and have West Park check your tread to make sure you have enough traction. If your tires are old, replace them with quality winter or all-weather tires. West Park carries all major brands at competitive prices.

Be prepared

Even proper upkeep can't prevent all vehicle mishaps. An emergency kit with blankets, spare clothes, flashlight, bottled water and snacks will help sustain you if you get stranded on the road.

For help with winter auto maintenance, repairs or service in southern Manitoba, West Park Motors has been providing reliable auto service to Manitobans for over 52 years. Our Certified Service Department can be reached at 204-324-6494 for reliable diagnosis and repair. Or book online at https://www.westparkgm.com/ServiceApptForm