Galina Javorskaja 2012

Winter auto maintenance How to prepare your car for winter

Introduction Safety is an important consideration all year long, so there are some auto maintenance jobs and safety checks that should be done before we are knee deep in a season. The change of seasons is a great time to go through some once-a-year or twice-a-year auto maintenance tasks.

Winter specific maintenance These winter maintenance jobs will keep you out of trouble - check your antifreeze - inspect your tires - replace your wipers - check your windshield washer fluid

Check your antifreeze Your antifreeze is an essential part of your car winter protection. Your car contains a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. Make sure the level is full and the mixture is close to 50/50.

Inspect your tires Winter is not the time to get cheap about your tires, so get the time to check the tread depth. Also, be sure to check your tire pressure. Believe it or not, they loose a little pressure when it gets cold, so pump them up.

Check your windshield washer fluid You will be using lots of washer fluid as you try to keep your windshield sparkly. Tip – Do not fill your washer fluid reservoir with anything except washer fluid, it will not freeze!

Annual maintenance procedures - check your battery posts - inspect your spark plug wires - inspect your brakes - check your engine oil