Winter brings with it added hazards and risks to your vehicle’s overall condition. Winter preparation should be done in the fall and maintained throughout the winter months. Here are some tips and tricks to protecting your vehicle and yourself this winter season! Check your battery. Check for corrosion, make sure it isn’t past its warranty, and pay attention to anythings that might signify that its in need of replacement. The harsh cold can be hard on a vehicle’s battery, and you don’t want to get caught with a dead battery in a blizzard. You can always get your battery checked at Heintz Toyota of Mankato’s service department and a replacement if needed! Replace wiper blades. Are your blades dragging, streaking or under-performing? It may be time to swap them out for a newer pair, which our service department would be pleased to do. Replacing wiper blades is a quick and easy process, and you don’t want to be caught on a salty road or blizzard without a good pair of wiper blades. In addition to new wiper blades, you should also top off your windshield wiper fluid with winterized fluid. Non-winterized wiper fluid can freeze up inside your vehicle and not work as effectively. Check oil and fluid levels. Top off the fluids in your vehicle if they’re running low. Keeping them below full runs the risk of water evaporating and freezing inside your vehicle. Don’t delay getting your oil changed on a regular basis and make sure your vehicle has enough coolant or antifreeze. Don’t allow your gas levels to run below half, and don’t be afraid to put some antifreeze in your vehicle every other time you top off your tank. Check & replace tires if needed. With the change in temperature, it’s not uncommon for your vehicle’s tire pressure to go down. Make sure your tires are fully inflated to improve its gas mileage, handling, and tire life. Winter is also a good time to check your tires to see if they need replacing. Remember to check on your spare tire! Emergency kit. Whether your make your own or purchase one, an emergency kit is a winter driving necessity. Your kit should include things like jumper cables, blankets, a knife, de-icer, a first aid kit, flashlight, phone charger, a small shovel, kitty litter or sand, an ice scraper, and snacks. In the unlikely event that you are left stranded, being prepared will come in handy. In addition to these tips, you should also check your filters and replace any that are dirty and inspect all lights and bulbs on your vehicle. If your check engine light is on, bring it in for a diagnostic. As always, check out our service offers to see if you can save on your service!
