Winter Car Maintenance Tips and Checklist | United Nissan Imperial

It’s almost time to shift gears into winter. For most areas, this means prepping for frequent snow or rain – unless you live in the desert. But even if you are a desert native, don’t let the arid climate fool you. The freezing and fluctuating temperatures in winter still take a toll on your car.

As the holiday season approaches, now is the time to start preparing your vehicle for the colder weather. By following recommended winter car maintenance, you can prevent dead batteries, unnecessary wear, and accidents.

Don’t let winter wreak havoc on your car. Follow these winter car maintenance tips and checklists to keep your car running smoothly all season.

When the seasons change, so should your air filter. It’s likely your air filter put in overtime during the grueling summer months, so be sure to start the winter off fresh with a new one. By not changing it, you risk causing the motor to burn up, as well as reduced airflow. Not only will this affect air quality, but it also lengthens the time it takes to defrost your windshield.

Worn brakes are dangerous year-round, but especially during the winter where roads can be slick or icy. If you notice squealing sounds, vibrations, clicking, or your car pulling to one side when you brake, it’s time for a replacement. Don’t forgo getting them checked – bring them into a dealership service department so you can ensure they’re performing at their best.

Winter in the desert means extreme temperature changes. If you’ve lived in an arid climate, you know the daily highs can reach 65°, while the night plummets to below freezing. In fact, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to fluctuate over 50 degrees in one day.

This yo-yoing can greatly impact your tires. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, your tires lose a pound of pressure. Because of this, it’s crucial that you check your tire pressure regularly. Driving with deflated tires can lead to tire damage, poor driving control, and lower gas mileage.

Additionally, check for any tire baldness and replace them if they’re worn. The dry heat from summer speeds up the disintegration process, so it’s smart to check your tires as the seasons change. Rotating your tires regularly can also prevent unnecessary wear.

Lastly, keep a spare tire and jack in case of emergency.

Cold weather can strain your car battery. And if your battery isn’t fully charged, the cold can also freeze it. Prevent dead starts by checking your battery before it’s too late. If you need help, our service technicians would be happy to check for you. You can schedule a service online today.

Love it or hate it, the sun sets much earlier in the winter. Because of this, it’s likely you’ll spend more time commuting while it’s dark. If your headlights are foggy or discolored, clean up any buildup on the lenses immediately. Oxidized plastic can reduce your headlights illumination by 75%, which not only makes it harder for you to see but for other drives to see you.

Using your windshield wipers might be a rare occurrence, but it’s best to always be prepared. You do not want to get caught in a rainstorm without the proper equipment. If your wiper blades are old, now is a good time to replace them. The summer months likely dried and cracked them, which can impact their effectiveness.

Engine coolant, or antifreeze, helps regulate your engine during extreme weather. As temperatures change, coolant is pumped through the engine block to maintain homeostasis. It also protects your engine from rust building up. Before the winter, be sure to take a look under the hood and make sure your engine has enough coolant.

Similar to your windshield wipers, be sure your heater is working properly before you need it.

If you notice reduced airflow, any odd smells, or it takes a long time to heat up, bring it into our service department for a check-up.

Winter weather can be harsh on your car. Before it gets too cold, be sure to wash away the dirt from summer offroading and treat your car to a fresh coat of wax. If possible, park off the street or use a car cover when parking outside.

Emergencies can happen to anyone. It’s best to prepare for the worst and keep an emergency kit inside your car at all times. Nowadays, you can even find winter car kits online. If you plan on making one yourself, we recommend keeping these items on hand: First aid kit, extra clothing, flashlight, jumper cables, multi-tool, and bottled water.

With this winter car maintenance checklist, you’ll be able to keep your vehicle running smoothly all winter long. If you need additional help on how you can prepare your car for winter, our service team is happy to assist. Schedule a service online, or contact us for more information.