A slow start in the driveway, a low tire pressure warning on your way to work, or wipers that smear road spray across the windshield can turn a cold morning into a problem. Before the first hard freeze in Rochelle, take a few minutes to check your vehicle. You can handle several of these items at home and make a short list of anything that needs a closer look at the shop.
Winter car maintenance checklist
- Listen for a slow start and have the battery tested if it’s struggling.
- Check cold tire pressure, tread and visible damage.
- Test the wipers, washer spray and front and rear defrosters.
- Check the coolant level when the engine is cold.
- Walk around the vehicle and test the exterior lights.
- Check for brake warning signs and pack a winter emergency kit.
1. Check the battery before the first cold morning
Cold weather can reduce a battery’s available power while making the engine harder to turn over. If your vehicle has started cranking more slowly than usual, or if you’ve needed a jump recently, ask for a battery and charging system test. That can help separate a weak battery from a charging problem before you spend money replacing parts.
Think about where the vehicle spends the night, too. If your truck sits outside in Rochelle and needs to start before sunrise for a drive to Byron, pay attention to how it starts first thing in the morning. A slow start after sitting overnight is worth mentioning when you schedule service.
2. Check tire pressure and tread
Check pressure before driving, while the tires are cold. Use the recommended pressure on the label inside the driver’s door opening or in the owner’s manual. Check the spare if your vehicle has one, using the recommended pressure for that spare.
While you’re there, look at the tread across each tire. One edge wearing faster than the other, a bulge in the sidewall or a tire that repeatedly loses pressure deserves a closer look. If you’re deciding whether your current tires are ready for another winter, ask the shop to measure tread depth and show you how the tires are wearing.
3. Test the wipers, washer fluid and defrosters together
Run the washer and wipers while parked. Check that the spray reaches the windshield and that the blades clear it in a clean pass. Replace blades that skip, streak or leave an unwiped section in your line of sight. Top up the reservoir with washer fluid rated for the temperatures you expect, and check the rear washer and wiper if your vehicle has them.
Switch on the front defroster and rear defogger as well. If airflow is weak even with the fan turned up, mention it when you book service. It’s easier to get that checked before you’re trying to clear a fogged windshield on the way to work.
4. Check coolant and catch up on due maintenance
With the engine cold, check the coolant level according to your owner’s manual. Use the coolant specification listed for your vehicle. If the level keeps dropping or you notice a puddle under the vehicle, have the cooling system checked for a leak.
This is also a good time to look at your maintenance records. If an oil change or other scheduled service is due, combine it with your winter checks. Bring up any new brake noise, a pull when braking or a brake warning light so the shop knows what to inspect.
5. Make sure your lights work and restock the emergency kit
Ask someone to help you check the headlights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights. If you tow a trailer in winter, check its lights with the trailer connected. Wipe grime off the lenses so the lights are easier for other drivers to see.
Keep an ice scraper, snow brush, flashlight, gloves, blanket and phone charging cable in the vehicle. If you drive rural roads between Rochelle and Byron, add a small shovel and some traction material. Check the kit before a trip so you know where everything is and can reach it quickly.
What should you check first if you only have 10 minutes?
Start with cold tire pressure, then test the wipers, washer spray and lights. Those checks are quick and can uncover problems you’ll notice right away on a cold or snowy drive. If the vehicle is already slow to start, losing tire pressure repeatedly or showing a brake warning, put that concern at the top of your service list.
Get your vehicle ready for winter in Rochelle
If you’d like help with a slow start, uneven tire wear or a maintenance item that’s due, visit the Jeff Perry CDJR service department in Rochelle to schedule an appointment. Tell us what you’ve noticed and when it happens so we can start with the checks that matter to you.