Auto Maintenance Tips for Winter
In our northern climate, winter is just another one of those things you need to be prepared for. That preparation should include your vehicle – driving in the winter is very different from the rest of the year thanks to the cold weather, snow, and icy driving conditions. So what kind of maintenance should you consider for the winter months? The service team here at Downtown Ford in Toronto, ON runs you through some of the basics.
Winter Tires
First and foremost, you should get yourself a proper set of winter tires, and get them installed on your vehicle. Winter tires excel at colder temperatures, improving your grip on the road, and pushing snow away from you while you drive. It’s also worth noting that all-season and summer tires can get unduly stressed by the cold due to the type of rubber they use, reducing their overall lifespan.
Tire Pressure
Your tires are affected by changes in the temperature, especially frequent fluctuations. You should regularly check the tire pressure over the winter, and top up the air pressure as needed. If you’re not sure how much air to put in the tires, you can usually find that information in the owner’s manual, or on the driver’s side door of your vehicle.
Winter Wipers
A set of winter windshield wipers can also help during the colder months. These are heavier wipers which are better at pushing accumulated snow away, and are made with special rubber that helps prevent ice from collecting on them. The extra weight means you should swap them at the same time as your tires, to help reduce wear on the wiper motors.
Washer Fluid
Always keep an eye on your windshield washer fluid in the winter. A snowy or slushy day can result in you using a lot of it, and the last thing you need is to run out when you can’t see through your windshield! Always try to keep it regularly topped up, and remember to use a winter formula so it doesn’t freeze.
Gas Tank
In the winter, the condensation in your gas line can freeze, causing fuel issues or even damaging the line. The best way to battle this is to make sure you more regularly top up the gas tank – a good rule of thumb is to try and keep it at a half-tank, at least. As an added benefit, this allows you to keep the engine running on cold days if you’re stuck and waiting for roadside assistance.
Winterize Your Vehicle at Downtown Ford
In addition to regular maintenance, you should also get your vehicle properly serviced ahead of the winter months so we can make sure everything is working properly, and get it properly winterized for the season! Book a service appointment with our Ford Certified service department today with Downtown Ford in Toronto, ON!