Winter Watch List (Winter Maintenance Items)
April 28, 2024
Don't love winter weather? Here's a list of four things you need to keep a watch on during the winter months.
Let's start with coolant levels. Coolant is as important in cold weather as it is in hot weather. Think of the term "anti-freeze." Your coolant needs to be adjusted for climate and temperature so the coolant doesn't freeze when the vehicle isn't running. Your service facility will know the right mixture.
Next, windshield wiper fluid. Winter weather can be challenging when it comes to visibility, so it's important to have the correct windshield washer fluid. Some of it is specially formulated for ice and freezing temperatures. And it won't freeze if your vehicle has to sit out in below-freezing temperatures. And don't forget you can get winter wiper blades that stay clearer in snowy, icy weather than ordinary blades.
Don't forget your tire pressure and tread. After all, tires are what connect your vehicle and the road. As temperatures go down, so does the air pressure inside your tires, so it's important to keep that up to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Also, make sure your tires have enough tread so they can grip slippery roads. Any service facility can perform a simple test so you'll know. If you need some new tires, they can help you find those that will fit your driving patterns.
Finally, oil gets thicker when the temperatures go down, so it's important to have the proper viscosity for your climate. Consult your service advisor who will make sure your vehicle is using what the manufacturer recommends.
Keep your vehicle prepared for winter weather and it will reward you with the safety and performance it's designed for.
Commerce Auto Repair
9575 Commerce Rd.
Commerce, Michigan 48382
248.363.3749
Need Service?
More articles from Commerce Auto Repair

Start Me Up
September 13, 2026
You have a nice road trip planned out. Youre all packed, sit down in the drivers seat, go to start your vehicle up and Nothing! You might hear a click, but thats it. What do you do now? Your problem may be a bad ignition switch. There are other symptoms you may notice. A failing ignition swi... More

Step Up your Stops
September 6, 2026
Lets face it. Many of us take our vehicles brakes for granted. We step on the pedal, the brakes slow us down and stop us. Theyre also vital to helping us control our vehicles. Thats why its important to think about brakes as one of the most important safety systems we have. Malfunctioning b... More

Distributor Cap and Rotor Replacement
August 30, 2026
If your vehicle is newer than the mid 2000s, it likely doesnt have a once-popular ignition system which uses a distributor cap and rotor. But if your vehicle is old enough to have them, its important to make sure they receive regular attention since theyre instrumental to your engine running smo... More
