Winter Vehicle Prep in Ohio

Take your car to a trusted service center for an oil change and tune-up before winter arrives to ensure that your car's systems are in good working order. When you visit Columbiana Chrysler Jeep Dodge's service department, you will find a team of highly trained and certified technicians ready to help you get your vehicle winter-ready. They will be sure to use the right motor oil and check your headlights, tail lights, and turn signals, all to ensure your vehicle is in top condition for the freezing temperatures of an Ohio winter. 

Make sure your tires have enough tread and air pressure. Consider switching to winter tires if you live in an area with severe winters. Keeping your tires properly inflated and checking their tread depth will improve traction on slippery roads and help you save fuel. Worn tires are a significant factor in winter accidents. Before the roads get icy, check your tread depth and tire pressure to ensure your tires are safe for winter conditions.

In cold weather, your car battery's performance decreases, so checking its health before winter is important to ensure it can reliably start your car. Cold weather slows down the chemical reactions in the battery, reducing its cranking power. At around 0 degrees Fahrenheit, a battery has only about half its cranking power at 80 degrees. It would be best to have your battery tested and its fluid levels checked to ensure it's in good condition.

Make sure your antifreeze is at the right level and is made for the climate where you live. Antifreeze prevents freezing and helps distribute heat from your engine, keeping your cabin warm on chilly Ohio winter days. It's also good to check your heating system to ensure it works properly and keeps your family warm and comfortable on their daily commute.

Old or worn windshield wiper blades can reduce visibility in bad weather. If you see water streaks on the windshield or cracks or stiffness in the wiper blade rubber, it's time to replace them. Use a brush and scraper to deal with ice and snow, not your wipers. This is important because too much snow or ice can overload the motor and stick the blades to the glass. While you're at it, check your windshield washer fluid reservoir and make sure it's full. You can also add de-icer fluid to help melt frost and ice more quickly. This is also the perfect time to check your vehicle's other fluids, such as motor oil. Synthetic oil is typically better suited for very cold temperatures than conventional oil.

By following these tips, you can help keep your car safe and reliable all winter long. If you need help with any of the above tips or any other service, the Columbiana Chrysler Jeep Dodge service center is here to help. Our technicians are highly trained and certified and can handle any work your car needs. Trust us to give you a sustained driving experience like no other, with satisfaction guaranteed for every mile of your lease or ownership.