The holiday season is here! For many of us, that means road trips to visit loved ones and creating new memories. But before you pack the car with suitcases, snacks, and holiday cheer, it’s time to make sure your vehicle is ready to face winter weather. At Northside Auto Repair, we’re here to help you enjoy safe and stress-free travel this holiday season by focusing on four essential winter vehicle checks.
1. Tire Pressure Check – Grip Winter Roads with Confidence
Your tires are your car’s only contact with the road, so keeping them in top shape is critical. Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop—about 1 PSI for every 10-degree drop in temperature. Low pressure not only leads to poor gas mileage and uneven tread wear, but it also reduces your ability to maintain grip on icy or wet roads.
Here’s what to look for:
- Uneven tire wear
- Low tread depth (use a quarter to check—if you can see Washington’s head, it’s time to replace your tires)
- Low tire pressure warning light on your dashboard
If you’re unsure about your tires or need assistance, stop by Northside Auto Repair. Our team can quickly check and adjust your tire pressure, ensuring you’re road-ready.
2. Anti-freeze Check – Keep Your Engine Cool (and Warm!)
Anti-freeze, or coolant, plays a key role in protecting your engine from freezing in low temperatures while also preventing it from overheating. Winter is tough on engines, so maintaining the right coolant ratio is critical.
Symptoms of a coolant issue:
- Engine temperature gauge reads higher or lower than normal
- Coolant leaks (look for puddles underneath your vehicle)
- Strange smells, like sweet or syrupy odors, from your car
Don’t risk getting stranded on a cold winter day! Bring your car to us, and we’ll perform a full anti-freeze check and replenish or flush it as needed.
3. Battery Check – Avoid Unexpected Breakdowns
Batteries lose strength as temperatures drop, which is why so many car batteries fail during the winter. Unfortunately, the cold weather also increases the demand on your battery since your heater, lights, and defroster are all working harder.
Signs of a weak battery:
- Slow engine crank
- Dim headlights
- Clicking sounds when you turn the key
At Northside Auto Repair, we’ll inspect your battery, clean terminals, and even test its charge to make sure you’re not left in the cold with a dead battery.
4. Heater Check – Drive in Comfort
Few things can ruin a holiday road trip faster than the realization that your heater isn’t working. Your heating system not only keeps you cozy but also defrosts windows for safe visibility.
Signs your heater might need attention:
- Weak or no airflow from vents
- Air isn’t warming up
- Strange smells or noises when the heater is on
If your heater isn’t running efficiently, our technicians can diagnose and fix the issue, whether it’s a simple filter replacement or a more complex repair.
Why Winter Maintenance Matters
Taking care of these service priorities doesn’t just give you peace of mind—it can also save you time, money, and frustration. Winter road trips can be unpredictable, but with a well-maintained vehicle, you’ll be ready for anything, from family visits to snowy adventures.
Schedule Your Holiday Service at Northside Auto Repair
Now’s the perfect time to ensure your vehicle is ready for winter weather and holiday travels. Our friendly team at Northside Auto Repair is here to provide professional, reliable service to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.
Call us today to schedule an appointment or drop by to learn more about our winter maintenance services. Don’t wait for problems to pop up in the middle of your holiday plans—stop in and we’ll get your car ready for the season!
Safe travels, and happy holidays from the Northside Auto Repair family!
