How to Prep a Car for Winter

When the seasons change over to the winter months, we often spend more time on the road traveling to winter festivities and family gatherings. Not only does this increased road time put stress on our vehicles, but the tough weather conditions can also take a serious toll. Learning how to prep a car for winter can mean the difference between successful family adventures and unplanned pit stops at the service center. Luckily, Sid Dillon Ford Crete is here with tons of tips and tricks to help you take winter driving head-on. Review our winter car prep tips to keep your commute from Lincoln to Seward smooth and comfortable!

Winter Car Prep Tips

From quick trips into town to pick up gifts to those long treks to family gatherings, winter driving can be treacherous. Here are some of our favorite winter car prep tips to keep you safe on the Omaha streets:

• Check your battery: Before the temperatures drop, you’ll want to test your battery. Make sure it’s holding a charge and the terminals are free from corrosion.
• Check your tire pressure: While it’s normal for tires to lose a bit of pressure in the cold, major drops in tire pressure are cause for action. You’ll want to regularly check your tires and add air when necessary. Proper tire pressure is crucial for traction and fuel economy.
• Consider winter tires: When comparing all-season tires vs. winter tires, think about your sneakers and boots. Sneakers are great most of the time, but you want your boots for those grizzly winter days. The same is true for tires. Winter tires are made from specially-formulated rubber that maintains better grip, traction, and flexibility in colder temperatures.
• Regular brake checks: Stopping power is essential every day, but this is especially true when roads get slick. Inspect your brakes on a regular basis to ensure your travels will remain hazard free.
• Check your coolant levels: Check your coolant volume to be sure your engine has enough to run smoothly. If you need a fill-up, our parts team can help you out!
• Change your oil: Healthy oil is critical for safe driving in both winter and summer months. Since oil tends to thicken in cold weather, it’s wise to start off the season with fresh oil.
• Fill your wiper fluid and replace the wiper blade: Visibility can be hampered by blowing snow and extra road debris in the winter. Keep your view of the road clear with new wiper fluid and blades.
• Keep the tank topped off: An empty fuel tank allows moisture to build up. This moisture dilutes the fuel and puts undue strain on your fuel pump and other components.
• Check your heater: One of the great perks of modern driving is maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature regardless of exterior conditions. Be sure you can stay warm this winter by checking your heater. Chances are you haven’t turned it on since last winter, so it’s wise to be sure it’s up and running before the snow starts to fall!

Schedule Your Winter Service with Sid Dillon Ford Crete!

Now that you know how to prep a car for winter, you can travel stress-free once the leaves drop. If your vehicle is in need of a bit of TLC, you can schedule service with us to get ready for those slick and icy roads. Our team will inspect your vehicle and make sure it’s fit to face winter road conditions. Rely on our Crete service crew to prepare your vehicle for winter!