❄️ How to Prepare Your Car for Winter: Essential Maintenance Tips
When the temperatures drop and the roads get icy, your car needs more than just a warm-up it needs to be winter ready. At Alex Engines & Transmissions, we want to help you stay safe, avoid breakdowns, and keep your vehicle running smoothly through the coldest months. Here are some essential tips to prepare your car for winter:
1. ✅ Check Your Battery
Cold weather slows down chemical reactions inside your battery, making it harder to start your car.
Tip: Have your battery tested to ensure it holds a charge and check for corrosion on the terminals.
2. 🧊 Inspect Antifreeze Levels
Antifreeze (coolant) prevents your engine from freezing. If levels are too low or the fluid is old, your engine could be at risk.
Tip: Make sure your coolant is filled to the proper level and is a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water.
3. 🚗 Change to Winter Tires
Regular tires can stiffen in cold temps, reducing traction. Winter tires provide better grip on snowy or icy roads.
Tip: Check tire tread depth and consider switching to snow tires for added safety.
4. 💨 Test the Heater & Defroster
You’ll need both to stay warm and keep your windshield clear.
Tip: Turn them on before winter hits to make sure they work properly.
5. 🔋 Top Off Fluids
Winter driving can deplete fluids quickly, especially windshield washer fluid.
Tip: Use winter grade washer fluid and keep oil, brake, and transmission fluids at optimal levels.
6. 🔧 Get a Winter Inspection
Before the first freeze, have a trusted mechanic do a full winter check up.
At Alex Engines & Transmissions, we inspect your vehicle’s battery, fluids, belts, brakes, and more so you’re ready for whatever winter throws your way.
7. 🧰 Keep an Emergency Kit in the Car
Even with preparation, winter surprises happen.
Tip: Pack a kit with a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, scraper, bottled water, and a first-aid kit.
❄️ Don’t Let Winter Catch You Off Guard!
Schedule your winter maintenance check today at Alex Engines & Transmissions serving the Katy area with over 30 years of trusted car care.
📞 Call us or stop by let’s get your car winter ready!