Snow is Here… How to Prep Your Car for the Winter

Is your Yakima Valley vehicle ready for the colder weather? Freezing temperatures tend to worsen existing problems. Ensure your personal or commercial automobile is in good working order and able to provide safe, reliable transportation in dropping temperatures. Now that snow is here – learn how to prep your car for the winter with these tips from RJ’s Tire Pros & Auto Experts.

Tire Maintenance for Winter Weather

Tire pressure falls 1 PSI for every 10 degrees that the temperature drops. Monitoring tire pressure monthly ensures optimal performance and safety. Ample tread with even wear is also essential to accelerating, cornering, and braking performance. When it is time for tire replacement, switching to seasonal snow tires offers improved performance in freezing temperatures and snowy, icy conditions.

Winter Battery Check

Starting your car requires more current in frigid temperatures. To avoid getting stuck with a dead battery, it's essential to verify battery performance. The ASE-certified mechanics at our car service center can confirm optimal operation, address worn terminals and wires, and quickly replace batteries nearing the end of their serviceable life.

Heater and Defroster Operational Check

Proper heater and defroster operation ensures safe, warm travels and clear roadway views. Selecting the fresh air option prevents window fogging.

Belt and Hose Check

Auto belts and hoses get more brittle in winter weather. Replacing items showing signs of wear now prevents roadside breakdowns, ensuring your engine will remain running to provide warmth when you need it most.

Seasonal Oil and Filter Change

Oil tends to thicken in the winter. For this reason, some manufacturers recommend a different oil formulation for optimal cold-weather performance. Ask our knowledgeable auto mechanics about recommendations to keep your vehicle running at its best.

Winter Wiper Blade and Fluid Replacement

Wiper fluid with de-icer keeps your windshield clear in winter storms. Likewise, fresh, rubber-clad wiper blades are a great asset when battling ice buildup. Using an ice scraper or snow brush before operation extends wiper blade lifespan.

Replace Ailing Lifts Before Cold Weather

Hood, trunk, and hatch lifts that struggle when it’s warm are likely to fail in freezing temperatures. Replace them to ensure reliable access and avoid injury.

Lubricate Key Components

Lubricating weather stripping around car doors and window tracks with silicon spray can prevent sticking and damage. When applying, spray onto a rag and wipe it on rather than spraying directly. Spraying lubricant into door lock and trunk lock cylinders also ensures smooth operation in cases of winter key fob failure.

Don’t Neglect the Post-Snowstorm Carwash

Chemicals used to de-ice roads are notoriously bad for paint and your vehicle’s undercarriage. After a snowstorm, a quick run through the local touchless carwash will remove deteriorating chemicals and dirt.

Pack a Winter Auto Emergency Kit

A little pre-planning can keep you safe in dangerous weather situations. As part of winter auto prep, be sure to keep an emergency kit in your trunk, including these essential items:

• First aid kit
• Tea-lite heater and candles
• Blankets, extra warm clothes, hat, gloves
• Water, food
• Flashlights and flares
• Phone charger
• Mini shovel and kitty litter/sand for traction
• Jack and jumper cables
• Tire inflator

Running Short on Time? Have Your Car Inspected at RJ’s

Now that snow is here, prepare your car for the winter weather with help from RJ’s Tire Pros & Auto Experts. Contact us at 509-453-8170 to schedule a winter vehicle maintenance inspection for your Yakima, Union Gap, Selah, Naches, Gleed, West Valley, or East Valley family or commercial automobile today.