Essential Winter Car Maintenance Tips to Keep You Safe on the Road

Winter anti-freeze check

Winter is here, and with it comes freezing temperatures, icy roads, and unpredictable weather. While you’re bundling up in warm clothes and preparing for the season, don’t forget that your car needs a little extra care too. At Northside Auto Repair, we’re here to make sure your vehicle is winter-ready, so you can travel safely and confidently during the colder months. From watching tire pressure to checking wiper blades, here are some essential winter car maintenance tips.

Keep an Eye on Tire Pressure

Cold weather affects your tires more than you might think. For every 10°F drop in temperature, your tires can lose about one pound per square inch (PSI) of pressure. Underinflated tires don’t just wear out faster; they also reduce your car’s handling and traction on slippery roads.

To avoid these issues, make sure your tire pressure matches the manufacturer’s recommended levels. If you’re unsure, stop by Northside Auto Repair, and our team will check and adjust them for you. It’s a quick fix that can make a big difference in your car’s performance this winter.

Be Prepared for Flats and Slippery Conditions

Along with checking tire pressure, inspect your tire tread. Worn treads can make it harder to stop and steer on icy or snowy roads. Consider switching to winter tires for extra grip and control in extreme conditions. And while you’re at it, make sure your spare tire is in good condition too. You don’t want to be caught without a backup if you get a flat in freezing temperatures.

Don’t Skip the Anti-Freeze Flush

Your car’s engine produces heat, and in cold weather, it relies on coolant (anti-freeze) to keep from freezing up. But over time, coolant can become less effective, potentially leading to engine damage.

That’s where an anti-freeze flush comes in. This service replaces old coolant with fresh fluid so your car can keep running smoothly no matter how cold it gets. If it has been a while since your last flush, now is the perfect time to schedule one. Our team at Northside Auto Repair will ensure your cooling system is up to the task this winter.

Check Your Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid

Winter weather isn’t kind to your windshield. Snow, ice, and slush can reduce visibility, making it more important than ever to have functioning wiper blades and the right washer fluid.

Start by inspecting your wiper blades for cracks or signs of wear. If they’re not clearing your windshield effectively, replace them with a fresh set. For the washer fluid, opt for one with anti-freeze properties. This type of fluid will prevent freezing in the reservoir and ensure you can clear off dirt and grime while you’re driving.

At Northside Auto Repair, we can help with both wiper blade replacements and refilling your washer fluid to keep your windshield crystal clear this season.

Why a Winter Check-Up Matters

Winter driving brings unique challenges, but preparing your car for these conditions can make all the difference. A quick visit to Northside Auto Repair for a winter check-up can help you stay safe and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Our expert technicians will inspect your tires, coolant, wipers, and more, ensuring your car is ready to handle whatever winter throws its way. Whether you need an anti-freeze flush, new wiper blades, or just peace of mind, we’ve got you covered.

Stay Safe This Winter With Northside Auto Repair

Don’t wait until the first snowfall to think about winter car maintenance. Stop by Northside Auto Repair today, and we’ll make sure your vehicle is in peak condition for the season. We’re here to help you confidently take on icy roads, freezing mornings, and everything in between.

Call us to schedule your winter check-up or just swing by — we’ll handle the rest. Trust us, it’s worth it to keep your car running smoothly and safely all winter long. Stay warm and drive safe out there!

About Water Pumps

water pump

The cooling system in an engine has five components: the radiator, the radiator cap, the hoses, the thermostat and the water pump. The water is literally the heart of the system. Just as your own heart keeps your blood circulating through your body, the water pump keeps coolant circulating through your engine.

The water pump is driven by a belt, chain or gear and only operates while the engine is running. It has a limited life span and sooner or later will have to be replaced. You can check your owner’s manual to find out how long your water pump should last. Some can fail at only 40,000 miles, or 65,000 kilometers, but almost all of them fail by 100,000 miles, or 160,000 kilometers.

Water pumps don’t gradually wear out; they fail. In other words, they’re either working or they’re not. A failed water pump has to be replaced.

Water pumps can fail in two ways; they can spring a leak or their bearings fail. Leaks can come from a cracked pump but usually develop at the gasket where the pump attaches to the engine.

If you hear a low-pitched grinding sound coming from the water pump, it’s time for a new one. If you see coolant leaking in the area near the pump, it needs to be replaced. Also, coolant on the driveway could indicate water pump failure. Many water pumps aren’t visible because they’re under a plastic cover, so you may have to take your vehicle to Northside Auto Repair to know if the water pump has failed.

If your water pump is run by the timing belt, then it should be replaced when you replace the belt. Most timing belts need to be replaced at around 60,000 to 90,000 miles, or 100,000 to 145,000 kilometers. The labor for replacing a timing belt is about 90% the same for replacing a water pump, so it’s cost-effective to take care of them both at the same time.

Also, if your water pump develops a leak (if it’s powered by the timing belt), you have to replace the timing belt as well since contamination by coolant fluid damages the belt. It just makes sense for residents to replace both of these parts whenever either one needs it.

Replacing a water pump at Northside Auto Repair is a car care issue that almost all of us residents face eventually. They don’t last forever. On the other hand, we can extend the life of most of the components of our vehicle through preventive maintenance. Just as exercise and diet keep our heart healthy, regular check-ups and fluid changes will keep our vehicles healthy. Talk to your friendly and knowledgeable Northside Auto Repair service advisor.