Getting Your Vehicle Ready for a Michigan Winter
A practical pre-winter check before cold weather, ice, and snow settle in.
Michigan winters ask a lot of a vehicle. Cold starts, snow-covered roads, and long stretches of slush can turn a small maintenance issue into a roadside problem. A little attention now, while the weather is still only turning, can make the season easier.
Start with the basics that keep the engine protected. Fresh oil and a filter that match your vehicle’s specifications help the engine circulate oil when temperatures drop. Check the coolant level and look over belts and hoses for cracks or wear, since those parts work harder in cold weather. Top off windshield washer fluid with a winter mix so it does not freeze, and confirm that wiper blades clear the glass cleanly.
Tires matter as much as anything under the hood. Tread depth and even wear affect how well you stop and steer on wet or snowy pavement. Tire pressure also falls as the air gets colder, so it is worth checking when the vehicle has been sitting. If a tire looks low, worn, or damaged, have it inspected before the first storm. Paris Auto Service and Repair offers tire care and tire sales, along with routine oil changes and other preventive maintenance.
It also helps to test your lights, including headlights, brake lights, and turn signals, and to keep an ice scraper and a charged phone in the vehicle. If something does not look or feel right during a pre-winter look-over, it is better to have it checked while the shop can still work it into a regular weekday appointment.
If you would like us to take a look, schedule service with Paris Auto Service and Repair or call (231) 796-7355.