1. Fluids
Checking fluids is the least expensive and easiest preventive maintenance you can do. Change your oil about every 5000 kilometers and don't forget to change your engine coolant and transmission fluid about every two years. Pure engine coolants can freeze at zero degrees, but mixing with water prevents freezing and provides great protection for the cold weather.
Though fluids like oil and transmission are commonly checked, other fluids integral to your vehicle's performance may go unnoticed. Power steering, brake, radiator and battery fluids also should be filled to recommended levels.
You won’t want to forget to top off your windshield washer fluid. Once the salt trucks have come through to melt snow and ice, you’ll know the importance of windshield washer fluid. Do not dilute washer fluid with water since it can freeze during winter's harsh temperatures. While you're at it, you might want to change the wiper blades to prevent poor vision in already poor driving conditions.
2. Batteries and Corroded Cables
Winter mornings can wreak havoc on an older battery. The average life of a battery is 4 years. If your battery is older than that, it's probably time to replace. Have our mechanic check the battery and cables to ensure your car starts quickly and reliably.
3. Tires
Worn, bald or badly aligned or balanced tires can mean accidents on ice, rain or snow. Have your tires checked for proper inflation and alignment, and rotate them about every 10,000 kilometers. Book an appointment now to have your winter tires installed, especially if you are driving on highways that require them. Canopy West can order and install the best tires for your vehicle.
4. Anything else Rubber
Rubber parts under your hood need maintenance, too. Radiator, heater and vacuum hoses, among others, should be checked for cracks and bulges. Also, inspect all belts for damages and splits.
5. Rust, Minor Scratches and Nicks
Road salt can turn a slight scratch or nick to an ugly rust spot that's completely preventable. If you postpone maintenance, it can spread. Avoid costly body work by restoring spots before they turn into larger problems.
6. Boots
Front-wheel drive vehicles equipped with CV (constant velocity) joints should have the boots checked for rips and cracks. Boots protect CV joints, but when the joints are exposed to salt, ice and snow, they can damage the joint. Replacing a joint can costs hundreds of dollars, but replacing a boot costs a small fraction of that.
7. Spark Plugs
Worn or misfiring spark plugs can affect how efficiently a vehicle burns the fuel/air mixture, ultimately affecting engine performance. Worn spark plugs waste gas and increase exhaust emissions, so have them checked and replaced often.
8. Brakes
It's dangerous to drive with poorly performing brakes, especially in snowy weather. Postponing brake service also can cause the cost of overhauling your brake system to skyrocket.
9. Lights
Check your lights as accidents can occur if you can't see where you're driving, or if other drivers can't see you, especially as we approach winter's short days and long nights.
10. Windshield Safety
Last, but not least, check your windshield for minor dings. Repairing a small ding is a minor expense but replacing a cracked windshield can cost hundreds of dollars. Engineers call this temperature stress "thermal shock," and if you have a small ding in your windshield, thermal shock can cause your minor ding to turn into a major crack.
Maintain your vehicle regularly to provide years of service with better performance and safety. Our new automotive shop in Kelowna specializes in winterizing your vehicle and can make sure you are ready for the winter roads. We are located at 4042 Highway 97 N. in Kelowna, call (250)491-0600 to book an appointment.
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