Jack Frost might be nipping at your nose, but you don't have to let it affect the way your Toyota runs and drives. It's no secret that winter weather can take a harsh toll on your vehicle's overall condition. Below-freezing temperatures and icy weather can affect many parts of your vehicle, including your tires, battery, brakes, and cooling system.
The experts at Glockner Toyota want to help you keep your Toyota in great shape this winter. Here are several winter car maintenance tips you can easily follow.
Keep an Eye on Your Fluids
Few things contribute more to your Toyota's longevity than its fluids. In addition to keeping your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluids, and other fluids at their correct levels, you should also make sure these fluids are in good shape. If you haven't had these fluids replaced before winter, now's the time to get that done.
Here are a few other things you can do to manage your fluids:
- Consider switching to lower-viscosity engine oil for the winter months. Cold temperatures can make it harder for your engine to circulate oil until it reaches operating temperature. A thinner, less viscous oil can help reduce strain on your engine and enhance its performance.
- Use the right antifreeze for your vehicle. Your vehicle owner's manual will have more on the type of antifreeze your vehicle needs. If you're not using pre-mixed antifreeze, make sure you're using a ratio of no more than 70/30 of antifreeze to water.
- Change your windshield wiper fluid to a winter blend. These blends feature antifreeze properties that help prevent your fluid from icing over in below-freezing temperatures.
- Keep your fuel tank above the half-full mark. Not only does this help preserve your in-tank fuel pump, but you won't have to worry about being too low on fuel. Don't be afraid to toss in some fuel de-icer or fuel stabilizer, especially if you don't drive your vehicle often during the winter months.
- Always be on the lookout for leaks. If you see any multicolored puddles on your driveway or you notice your fluid levels dropping without a good explanation, have a certified technician trace said leak back to its source.
Take Care of Your Battery
Winter weather is the ultimate test for any car battery. Cold temperatures can reduce battery performance, while issues like corrosion can degrade its performance even further. A dying battery can ultimately leave you stranded when you least expect it, so here are some tips to keep that from happening:
- Check your battery for signs of physical damage. Make sure the battery case isn't cracked, bulged, or leaking acid. If you see any of these signs, then have your battery replaced ASAP.
- Remove any and all corrosion from the battery and its connections. Aerosol battery cleaner works perfectly for this task, although you can also mix up some baking soda and water to neutralize and clean up corrosion.
- Have a professional test your battery. A certified technician will have the proper equipment needed to test your battery and ensure it works correctly. It's a good idea to have this done every year, preferably before the first chill sets in.
- Replace your battery if it's too old. How old is too old for a car battery? Most experts recommend replacement within 3 to 5 years. The older your battery gets, the more likely it is to fail when you can least afford it to. Use the date code sticker (i.e., "12/20") on your battery to determine its age.
- Make sure your battery has enough cold-cranking amps (CCA) for your vehicle. Most vehicles need at least 600 CCA for optimal starting under winter conditions. Refer to your vehicle owner's manual for more information.
Check Your Tires
Dealing with snow- and ice-covered roads is a tall task for tires, especially those that are not in the best of condition. Your tires are all that connect you with the road below, so keep yourself, your passengers, and others on the road safe by following these tips:
- Check your tires for cracks and other forms of damage. Cracks and bubbles in the sidewall, as well as missing chunks of tread, warrant immediate replacement. Signs of abnormal tire wear can also point to suspension issues.
- Make sure your tires have plenty of tread left. Measure your tire's tread depth using a depth gauge, although you can use the penny test in a pinch. Once your tread reaches 2/32-inches in depth (or if you can see the top of Lincoln's head), have your tires replaced ASAP.
- Keep a close eye on tire pressures. Every 10-degree drop in temperatures means a 1-psi loss in tire pressure, so check them regularly throughout the winter. Even if your vehicle comes equipped with Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors (TPMS), it's still a good idea to have a digital tire gauge on hand.
- Consider switching to winter tires. While all-season tires offer good year-round performance, winter tires are optimized solely for superior traction under harsh winter road conditions. A specialized tread design and softer rubber compound allow winter tires to carve through slush and snow without losing any grip.
- Make sure your tires aren't too old to safely use. To prevent unexpected tire failures, you should replace your tires every 6 years regardless of how much tread remains. The last 4 digits of the DOT code located on the sidewall correspond to the week and year of tire manufacture.
Check Your Hoses, Belts, and Wipers
What do your car's hoses, belts, and wiper blades have in common? They're all made from rubber compounds. These parts become increasingly vulnerable to cold temperatures as they age. It's not unusual to encounter a leaky hose, a damaged serpentine belt, or brittle wiper blades during the winter months. It's a good idea to inspect these components before the start of winter and replace them as needed.
