Now that fall has arrived , it’s an excellent time to check your vehicle’s manual for regularly scheduled maintenance. Winter season car prep tasks include oil changes , coolant flush and refill , and cleaning or replacing air plus fuel filters.

While you’re at it, have a technician examine the condition of radiator hoses, drive belts, and oil plus transmission pan gaskets. A dealership can also perform any new flash updates to the vehicle’s onboard computers .

That’s basic year-round stuff. But it is also wise to begin preparing for winter—well before the mercury drops. Use this handy checklist with links to other helpful articles to ensure maximum safety and performance during the coldest winter months.

The particular Eight Actions for Wintertime Car Preparation

1. Battery

Have a certified technician check the battery or replace the battery that is more than two years old. Keeping the battery terminals, cables, and surface clean will ensure optimum life. Also, make sure that the particular battery carrier is in good condition since vibration reduces battery life.

2. Wiper Blades

If your wiper blades are more than six months old, replace them . Winter blades are thicker and more durable with regard to cleaning ice and snow off the windshield.

3. Exhaust

A leaking exhaust system can have deadly consequences in the winter when vehicle occupants keep the windows closed. Put the car on a lift and check for corrosion, worn-out exhaust hangers, and the particular condition of the catalytic converter . Corroded tubing not only leaks fumes into the automobile, but may also restrict airflow through the engine, robbing it associated with power.

4. Lighting

Since winter driving often involves low-light conditions, winter car prep requires looking at your headlamps and tail lamps. Use lens cleaner on dirty or fogged lenses that might be reducing the amount of light coming out associated with the fixtures. See: “ The Headlight Restoration Kit Brings Back Brilliant, Clear Lights . ”

5. Tires

Check your tires for signs of wear, including uneven follow wear which could indicate that your wheels are out of alignment. Stick a penny in the treads: If you can see the top associated with Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires.

Examine tire inflation every two weeks using recommended tire pressures found on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. While all-season tires provide adequate traction in most winter problems, winter wheels are compounded to stay soft in freezing temperatures, offering the best grip on snow and snowfall.

6. Brakes

If your brakes are squealing, the audible sensor is probably warning you that the pads or even shoes need replacing . Inspect the brake rotors for warping or scoring. Some brake discs can become machined, but if there is too much wear, the particular fix will be a total replacement.

Brake lines can get corroded from road salt. Given that the braking system is hydraulic, any kind of hole within the ranges will affect the vehicle’s ability to stop. Flush and refill the braking system according in order to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

7. Fuel Lines

When the temperature falls below very cold, add a bottle of fuel line de-icer to prevent moisture from cold in the gas lines.

8. Emergency Kit

Carry an emergency kit including a shovel, jumper cables , sand or cat litter, blankets, gloves, boots, the flashlight, flares, and some non-perishable food.

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