Let Cooler Temps Inspire You

That crispness that you’ve been feeling in the air for the last couple of days can only mean one thing...winter’s on its way! Actually, winter won’t officially arrive until December 22 this year, but now is a great time to start thinking about getting your vehicle ready for the colder temps. Checkered Flag BMW Shop Supervisor Roger Smith, who over the years has worked at several Checkered Flag locations, confided, "Every service department everywhere will see an increase in dropped batteries and other weather related problems with the first cold snap." The reason is that people tend to be much more vigilant about vehicle maintenance in the warmer months when they are preparing for summer vacations and when spending a Saturday morning outside under the hood doesn’t require a parka and long underwear. The holiday season keeps folks busy and regular maintenance can fall by the wayside. All the more reason to start preparing for old man winter TODAY. Here are a few tips from Roger and the service experts at Checkered Flag...

Check Your Tire Pressure

The Checkered Blog will beat this drum forever! Correct tire inflation keeps you (and everyone else on the road) safer. Your owner’s manual will indicate the proper tire pressure for your vehicle. Remember: Air is gaseous and gas contracts when it cools. For every 10 degree drop in air temp, your tire pressure will decrease 1 PSI. You should check your tire pressure at least once a month and any time there is a sudden change in temperature. Proper pressure ensures better traction in wet or icy conditions. Roger advises me that the ideal time to check tire pressure is when the car is cold. You won’t get an accurate reading if it’s been running.

Check Your Battery

Batteries are put under a lot of stress in the winter. There is a much heavier drain on your battery and starter when it’s cold outside (as much as 50% more than in warm temps!). That, coupled with the fact that we spend much more time driving with the lights on in the winter, is a recipe for a dead battery. Roger suggests that even those with the new "maintenance free" batteries perform periodic visual inspections to make sure that the battery has a good charge. Also, make sure that all connection points are free of dirt and debris.

Change Your Oil

This tip has multiple implications. Changing your oil according to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual ensures less wear and tear on your engine. Seasonally changing the type of oil you use can optimize winter driving performance. Cold temps thicken oil. Oil that’s too thick won’t properly lubricate the engine. Oil that’s too thin won’t do you much good either. Again, check your owner’s manual to find the right kind of oil for your car and climate.

Have Your Belts and Hose(s) Inspected

Because, if you want to dress up like an elf...haha...just kidding. It's true that the belts and hoses under your hood are made to withstand harsh temps but it’s best to have them periodically checked anyway. Cold weather makes plastic and rubber more brittle.

Check your windshield wipers and your wiper fluid

I don’t need an expert for this one. Picture driving through blizzard conditions outside Philadelphia. It’s Christmas Eve. Wipers are junky and the wiper fluid is inexplicably mostly water. Which is frozen. Frozen water=ice. Not very helpful. Makes me happy that I’m still alive to share this unfortunate experience with you so that you will not make a similar mistake.

So, that’s the short skinny on winter maintenance. Roger wisely reminded me of the old adage, "An ounce of prevention...". These quick procedures can save you a load of trouble in the coming months. And, if you take care of it now, you’ll have one less thing to do over the busy holiday season! As always, call Checkered Flag or email us at The Checkered Blog if you have any questions about getting your vehicle ready for winter.