Winter Auto Repair Maintenance Checklist

Is Your Vehicle Ready for Winter? 

From torrential downpours to temperatures dropping below freezing, winter can throw a number of different challenges at your vehicle. At Driver’s Edge, we understand the importance of keeping your vehicle in its best shape to avoid costly auto repairs and untimely breakdowns. Whether your vehicle requires a basic oil change and tire rotation, or it’s time for some other maintenance services, we feature all of the experts and equipment that your vehicle will need to power through the winter season. 

Let’s explore our Winter Auto Repair Maintenance Checklist to discover how to prepare your vehicle and plan auto maintenance and repair to make it through the winter season. When your vehicle needs maintenance or auto repair services, schedule an appointment with Driver’s Edge, and take advantage of the expertise you’ll find with our ASE-certified mechanics.

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Winter Maintenance Checklist

Winter maintenance doesn’t have to be a hassle. Performing these simple but effective maintenance services can help prevent costly Dallas auto repair and ensure that your vehicle can power through the winter. Here are a few important services that we recommend: 

Check Oil and Fluids

Your oil is the lifeblood of your engine. Without it, your engine would effectively destroy itself from excess heat and friction. It’s vitally important to ensure that your vehicle has fresh oil to get through the winter season. Cold temperatures can cause your oil to thicken, making it more difficult for it to circulate through your engine and provide the protection that it needs. Old oil tends to provide reduced performance in both hot and cold temperatures and can provide limited protection when starting your vehicle in the cold. If it’s been a while since your last oil change, schedule an oil change service to promote longevity for your engine. 

Belts and Hoses

Cold temperatures can hinder the performance of your vehicle’s belts and hoses. Because these components are made of rubber compounds, they are temperature-sensitive and will expand and contract when exposed to heat and cold. As these components age, their ability to flex and contract is reduced, and their chances of breaking begin to increase. 

We recommend replacing your serpentine belt and coolant hoses every three years or 36,000 miles. If it has been a while since your last belt and hose replacement, schedule an appointment with Driver’s Edge for service. 

Check Your Tires

Your tires play a vital role in the performance and handling of your vehicle, including:

• Fuel economy
• Traction
• Handling capabilities
• Braking abilities, and more. 

Checking your tires for adequate tread depth and the proper PSI are two vital steps that will help you drive safely on the road in winter conditions. While we understand that not everyone has a tire depth gauge handy, there’s a quick and easy way to tell whether your tires are approaching the end of their life:

The Penny Test

Take an ordinary penny, and stick it in the groove of your tires. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for a new set of tires. 

Check Your Battery 

Winter poses its toughest challenges on your battery because cold temperatures require additional power to start a cold engine. Cold weather also makes it difficult for your battery to hold the charge. This is why we see so many aging batteries failing during the wintertime. Performing a battery test on your vehicle before the winter season will ensure that it has the power to get through the grit of winter. 

You should replace your vehicle’s battery every three years — so if it’s been a while since your last battery replacement, we recommend scheduling an appointment for battery service.

Prep Your Emergency Kit

Though we don’t typically experience extreme weather in Dallas, TX, rain storms and flooded streets are enough to disable your vehicle when you least expect it. This is why keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle will lend a helping hand until aid arrives. Here are a few items that you should pack in your emergency kit:

• First aid kit
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Non-perishable snacks
• Battery jump starter
• Warning devices (flares or reflective triangles) 
• Basic tool kit 
• Bottled drinking water

Tend to Any Necessary Repairs 

If you have any known mechanical failures in your vehicle, such as an already illuminated check engine light, get these components repaired before winter. If your vehicle is running with a broken component, such as a failed oxygen sensor, or other malfunctioning components, powering through the challenges of winter can cause other components to fail, leading to a total breakdown of your vehicle. If you know that your vehicle has mechanical problems, schedule an appointment with our ASE-certified mechanics to get it in its best shape before winter. 

Schedule Service at Driver’s Edge Today

At Driver’s Edge, we perform all of the Dallas car repair and maintenance services needed for your vehicle. Whether you require a simple service, such as an oil change, or mechanical repairs, our professionals can get your vehicle back on the road, running at its best. Besides our already competitive pricing, we offer additional savings thanks to our service specials that let you take advantage of top-tier maintenance services at even better prices. Schedule service at Driver’s Edge in Dallas today, and power through winter with confidence.