How to Prep a Car for Winter

Very few things can be harder on your car than the typical Chicago winter. Fortunately, the staff in our service center know how to keep your car running in harsh weather. So, we’ve put together this list of winter car prep tips below. You’ll probably see things on the list you haven’t thought about. If you think you need help preparing your car for winter near Elmwood Park, check out service specials, and then contact Victory Toyota of Midtown for help! 

Winter Car Prep Tips 

No one likes to rush out of the house on a cold winter morning to start their Oak Park commute, just to find their car won’t start because of the weather. Of course, safety is a concern, too. Follow these winter car prep tips to make sure your car is ready for the winter.

• Check Your Tire Tread and Air Pressure – Lincoln Park roads can be pretty rough during the Winter, so you’ll want to make sure your tires have enough tread. In addition, drops in temperature can cause your tires’ air pressure to drop, too. Check your air pressure more regularly in cold weather.
• Get an Oil Change – It’s best to start the winter with clean oil from an oil change. Make sure the right viscosity of oil is used.
• Check the Battery – Winters are especially hard on batteries. If the battery is near the end of its life, replace it before the onset of winter.
• Replace Wiper Blades – It’s good to start the winter with new blades, so you’re prepared for the worst.
• Check the Coolant System – Make sure you have the right coolant for freezing weather and check the radiator, hoses, belts, and filters.
• Check the Lights – Check all of the lights on your vehicles and replace any dead bulbs.
• Check the Brakes – It’s better to check your brakes before winter sets in than have problems sometime after.
• Top Off the Fluids – We’ll top off fluids when we change the oil in your car. Fluids that should be topped off include engine coolants, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.

Get Your Car Winterized at Victory Toyota of Midtown

Now that you know how to prep a car for winter, if you found these winter car prep tips to be helpful, check out our other service tips and advice. If you need help getting your car ready for winter, schedule an appointment with our service department. We’re just down the road from Elmwood Park!