Get Your Car Ready for Cold Weather

Love it or hate it, cooler weather is coming. No matter where you live, this is a great time to give your vehicle a thorough check. Fluids, battery, tires, and cold-weather features should all be checked going into the fall and winter. Prevent unnecessary issues and stay warm throughout the year by performing a little bit of maintenance before the cooler days arrive. The Porsche Silver Spring service team has put together a list of things you should consider when preparing for the next season.

Change Fluids

One of the first things you should do before winter is to change the fluids in your car. For oil, you need to change it regularly anyway, but some vehicles require a different weight oil in the winter. Other fluids like brake fluid, transmission fluid, and differential fluid should be changed heading into the cooler season as well. These fluids have been through tons of heat cycling during your spring and summer driving. Fresh fluids will reduce damage from debris, as well as better performance. Your coolant is a fluid you’ll want to pay special attention to. If it isn’t the right ratio, it could freeze on a cold night and cause serious damage.

Have Your Battery Tested

Battery issues always seem to present themselves on a chilly morning when you’re running a little late. As the weather cools off, your battery might struggle to start your car. Battery capacity naturally diminishes over time and older batteries won’t be able to last through the winter. Even if your battery seems fine now, it’s important to have it tested yearly to prevent being stranded. By hooking it up to a battery tester, technicians can ensure that things like the battery’s cold-cranking amps (CCAs) are at normal levels. This is also a great time to check your battery cables, as well as clean the terminals. Removing any buildup around your battery terminals can improve contact and keep your battery healthy.

Maintain Your Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers typically need to be replaced once or twice a year. Check the blades and make sure they’re not worn or damaged. You don’t want to find yourself in bad weather with ineffective windshield wipers. Also, change out your windshield washer solution for a mixture that won’t freeze in the winter. Many windshield washer solutions feature anti-freezing properties so that it doesn’t freeze in the reservoir or on your windshield.

Check Your Heater and Defroster

Those chilly mornings can feel even more miserable if your heat isn’t working properly. If you haven’t used your vehicle's heat or other cold-weather features (like heated seats, heated mirrors, and heated steering wheel) check them before the weather gets cold. Repairs for these things might not seem like a top priority, but they’re features you’re going to want to have available when the weather takes a turn.

Check Your Tires

Tires will vary in the number of miles you can get out of them but preparing for winter is a great time to check them. Make sure your tire pressures are correct, tire wear is even all around, and there are no obvious issues (like bald spots, leaking tires, or damaged wheels). Winter is when tire health can be the difference between making it home safely and having a problem on the road. Avoid any possible issues by keeping an eye on your tires all year, especially ahead of winter weather.  

If you need any help getting your car ready for cooler weather, or just want to have our highly trained technicians tune-up your vehicle, contact the Porsche Silver Spring service team online. We’d love to help you get ready for the upcoming months, so you can travel with confidence for the rest of the year.