Engine Oil

Getting an oil change twice a year is one of the most important parts of a seasonal car care routine. This is because your engine oil degrades over time, as well as accumulating dirt and debris from circulating through the engine. Both of these can cause a major car repair if not addressed. Typically, oil changes are recommended twice a year but it’s especially beneficial to time one just before winter hits, as winter weather can also have an impact on your engine’s oil.

Pay Attention to Your Engine Oil’s Viscosity

Temperature has a big impact on engine oil. Warmer temperatures allow oil to flow smoothly through your car’s engine, since warmer temperatures cause thinner oil. With cold winter temperatures, your engine oil gets thicker. In fact, engine oil is twice as thick at 0 as it is at 80. This can make it difficult to start your car, as well as to keep the engine running well. Pay attention to the viscosity of your engine oil when you get your oil change. Look for a W in the viscosity. That W means the oil is best suited to get your engine through the winter months.

Coolant

You may not have ever had to think about what your coolant fluid is made of, though you have likely heard of antifreeze. Your coolant is made of a mix of water and antifreeze and each car may have slightly different requirements. Your owner’s manual will tell you the proper ratio for your car. If the proper ratio isn’t used, it may freeze as temperatures drop.

Proper Anti-Freeze Ratio Will Keep Your Engine Running in Cold Temperatures

Coolant is necessary to keep your engine running. It helps maintain proper engine temperature so it doesn’t overheat. Because it’s partially made up of water, your coolant is also susceptible to freezing during the winter months. That’s why it’s so important to have the proper amount of antifreeze. While you can find out the proper ratio yourself, it’s safer to have a mechanic take a look and make sure your coolant is ready for winter.

Brake Fluid

Functioning brakes are important any time of the year, but especially so when harsh winter weather hits. Your brakes are also a hydraulic system, meaning brake fluid is essential to making sure your brakes work, no matter the season. While you shouldn’t have a problem with your brake fluid freezing with cold temperatures, you do still want to make sure it doesn’t have to be replaced or bled so you can stay safe on slick and slushy roads through the winter.

Pay Attention to How Your Brake Pedal Feels

To keep tabs on your brakes throughout the year, pay attention to how your brake pedal feels whenever you use it. If you have to depress it all the way to the floor or notice it feels soft or spongy, take note. All of those signal you could use brake maintenance, whether it’s new brake pads or bleeding the brake fluid to get rid of air bubbles.

Washer Fluid

Blasting the heat can only go so far with keeping your windshield clear in the winter. Slushy roads will cover a clean windshield with all kinds of dirt in no time. In order to stay safe on the road, make sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid each time you leave home.

Go for a Winter-Grade Blend

As with other fluids for your car, you can buy washer fluid that’s created for winter use so it won’t freeze. Summertime washer fluid may freeze and ice up your wipers or even the entire windshield if you use it in freezing temperatures. To be extra safe, you can keep a container of winter-grade washer fluid in the trunk of your car in case you run out while on the road.

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