Winter Vehicle Service Tips | Toronto, ON
As the weather stars to turn cold, you’ll want to prepare your vehicle for what’s ahead. Check out these helpful winter vehicle service tips to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable season.
Install winter tires
In addition to installing winter tires, you will want to check them throughout the season for the following:
- Proper inflation – Under- or overinflated tires can cause you to lose grip on the road and slip or slide. Use the owner’s manual to know the ideal pressure for your car’s tires.
- Wear and tear – Sharp objects can hide under snow and could pierce the tires or cause them to be worn down extensively. Check them once every few weeks before you head out.
Check the battery
The extreme heat of summer can do quite a bit of damage to your vehicle. As such, you’ll want to have it checked to ensure that it can power your car in winter. You’ll also want to check for any signs of corrosion on the terminals and check cable connections. If you’re not sure how to do any or some of this, you can bring your vehicle to our team at Downtown Toyota to do this for you.
Replace wiper blades
After a rainy spring, an especially hot summer, and fall as well, your vehicle’s windshield wipers may need some attention. Check the rubber blades for any signs of wear, like cracks or tears. If you leave these on your car, your visibility will be limited when it rains or snows this winter, as damaged wipers can cause streaking on the windshield.
Check up on fluids
The change in seasons is always a good time to check under the hood for fluid levels. Along with an oil change, you will want to see if anything else needs to be replaced or filled up. Check up on the following fluids:
- Windshield wiper
- Coolant
- Brake
- Transmission
Don’t skip the car wash
While the summer months are usually the busiest time for car washes, you’ll want to maintain this practice even in winter. Protect your car’s paint job from slushy snow and rock salt by getting it washed regularly. You may want to splurge on protective waxing during these months to go the extra mile with keeping the paint looking fresh. If possible, the best way to protect your vehicle’s exterior is to park in a garage or to invest in a high-quality car cover.
Install all-weather mats
If you’re keen on keeping your car’s interior in pristine condition, you’ll need to keep the salt and slush of winter out of the cabin. One of the best ways to protect your car’s fabric materials (such as the floor boards) is to upgrade to all-weather mats. These are typically made of rubber and can be easily cleaned. Contact our Parts Department if you need assistance choosing the ideal floor mats for your car.
Make an emergency kit
- Jumper cables
- A small shovel
- Roadside flares
- A rechargeable flashlight (or one with extra batteries)
- Some kind of multi-tool, like a Swiss Army knife
- An ice scraper
- Blankets, hand warmers, and heat packs
- Phone charging cable
Contact Us
With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way to an enjoyable winter season in your vehicle. If you need to stop by and discuss anything with our team at Downtown Toyota in Toronto, Ontario, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have!