1. Make sure your antifreeze levels are correct and add more if necessary:
It's important to check the coolant levels in your car regularly, especially during winter. Make sure that the coolant level is at the ‘Full’ line on the reservoir. If it is not, top it up with a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze.
2. Inspect your windshield wiper blades and replace them if needed:
Windshield wipers are essential for safe driving in the winter months. Make sure that your windshield wipers are in good condition before winter hits by inspecting them regularly. If there is any damage or wear-and-tear, it's best to replace them before winter.
3. Fill up your washer fluid reservoir and top it off as needed:
Don't forget to fill up your washer fluid reservoir! This is especially important during the winter months when there is a lot of snow and slush on the roads. Make sure that you have enough washer fluid in your car at all times so that you can clearly see through your windshield even when driving in inclement weather conditions.
4. Check all of your lights - front, rear, turn signals, brake lights, etc. - and replace any bulbs that are burned out:
It's important to regularly check all of the lights on your car, especially during the winter months. Look for any burned out bulbs and replace them as quickly as possible so that you can be seen while driving in the dark.
5. Top off all of your fluids: oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, etc.:
In order to keep your car running smoothly during the colder months it's important to make sure that all of your fluids are topped up. This includes oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid. Make sure you check these regularly and top them up if necessary.
6. Replace your air filter:
Replacing your air filter is an essential part of maintaining a healthy engine and fuel efficiency during winter months. A dirty air filter can affect your car's performance, so make sure to replace it regularly.
7. Add a fuel stabilizer to your gasoline tank:
Adding a fuel stabilizer to your gasoline tank can help prevent some of the common issues that arise when storing a vehicle for long periods of time in cold weather conditions. The stabilizer helps keep the gas from breaking down and becoming gummy.
8. Change the oil in your car:
It’s important to change the engine oil in your car regularly, especially during winter months when temperatures drop significantly. Make sure that you check and change your oil as recommended by the manufacturer in order to keep all of its components running smoothly.
9. Check tire pressure and adjust as necessary (remember to do this when the tires are cold):
Tire pressure is essential for safe driving, especially during winter. Make sure that your tire pressure is at the correct level before hitting the road by checking it regularly and adjusting as necessary. Be sure to check tire pressure when they are cold in order to get an accurate reading.
10. Check your brakes, including the brake pads and rotors:
It's important to inspect your brakes on a regular basis, but particularly in winter when braking can be more difficult due to icy conditions. Make sure that you check the brake pads and rotors for signs of wear-and-tear and replace them if needed.
11. Inspect belts, hoses and other rubber components:
Cold weather can cause rubber components such as belts and hoses to become brittle and crack. Make sure that you inspect all of these components regularly, especially during winter months, in order to make sure that they are in good condition.
12. Have your battery tested:
The cold weather can put a strain on your car's battery, so it's important to have it checked before the temperatures start dropping. If needed, have your mechanic test it or replace it altogether to prevent any unexpected breakdowns during winter months.