Tips to Get Your Car Winter Ready

Prepare your car for winter!

Winter is coming and the holiday season is here again! Along with all of the hustle and bustle that go with this time of year, you need to remember to get your car winterized, too. By preparing your car for winter at Mastermind Enterprises, you can take on all of your challenges just a little easier. The severe weather conditions during winter can cause serious damage to your car just by the temperature being too cold.

Make sure your car has the proper level of all its fluids, including antifreeze, power steering, radiator, transmission, and windshield washer fluid. It’s important to be up to date with your regular car maintenance and consider winter's special challenges on your vehicle. At Mastermind Enterprises, your safety is one of our top concerns. Here is a winter weather auto maintenance checklist for your car to keep it in the best shape for the cold weather to come. The items on this checklist should keep your car working properly in even the most severe winter weather.

Winter Weather Auto Checklist

Check Your Tires
One of the first things to do is check your tires, tire pressure and the tread depth. Always make sure you have enough pressure in your tires. For every drop in temperature of 10 degrees Fahrenheit, tires lose a pound of pressure. An underinflated tire is as hazardous as hydroplaning on water and won’t “bite” through snow down to the hard pavement when you need it to.

Tires should have good tread (1/16" deep) to handle the snow and to be safe. Experts agree that it’s best to go 1/8" deep on your tire tread. You need the deepest grooves possible in your tires for maximum safety.

Check Your Fluids
Check all of your car’s fluids including oil, antifreeze, power steering fluid, power steering, radiator, transmission, and windshield washer fluid. Make sure you use a washer fluid with antifreeze properties for winter weather use.

Keep Your Gas Tank Full
It’s better for your car, your gas mileage, and your peace of mind.

Get New Windshield Winter Wipers Blades
Your windshield wiper blades normally last about a year. Wiper blades should clear your windows completely with each swipe. Replace blades if there is any streaking. Limited visibility will prove especially hazardous during storms with rain, snow and fog. You need your wipers for extra help during these times.

Check Your Battery, Belts & Hoses
Your battery has a normal lifespan of approximately 5 years. Ask your mechanic when you get your oil  changed (every 3,000 miles) to do a battery check before it's too late. Cold weather drains the life out of your car's battery quickly – especially if you park your car outdoors. Broken or cracked belts and hoses can you leave you stranded and stuck in the cold.

Get your car winterized at Mastermind Enterprises
before the winter comes!

Check Your Brakes
Have your brake system thoroughly inspected by an ASE certified technician to confirm all of your brake components are ready for the slippery roads of winter. Brake lines, rotors, pads, drums, and brake fluid are all vital components to keeping you safe on snowy and icy roads.

Check Your Lights
Check all of your lights and replace burnt out bulbs (if needed).

For more info about your car's maintenance needs, 

contact Mastermind Enterprises at 303-297-2886 
to get your car winter ready. 

We will put together a complete list for maintaining your car to make sure that it's in good shape and ready for the white wonder of winter. There are some additional things you can do to further prepare your car. Check out one of our upcoming blog articles for more information on how to completely winterize your car!