News

January marks the new year, but winter didn't get the "new year, new you" memo. The season continues to deliver the same storms and low temperatures as the prior year, and it's anticipated to do so for some while. Like an overzealous friend or family member who tends to overstay their welcome despite your best clues, winter is far from done in Frederick, Maryland.

That's why it's a good idea to prep your vehicle for the cold, if you haven't already.

At The Tire Mart, we love helping drivers with preventive maintenance services, like winterization, because it greatly reduces the risk of ending up with an inoperable vehicle during the coldest days of the year. While many drivers may have taken care of their seasonal automotive winter maintenance already, we know there's quite a few of you who are holding out or were not able to find the time with the holidays.

But you're not too late to prep your car for cold weather. 

Today's article is a refresher on how to prepare your vehicle for cold weather in Frederick, Maryland. Take a look at these maintenance tips, and if you missed some of them, now's a great time to get your vehicle in for service.

1. Check Your Battery

Cold weather can significantly impact your car battery's performance. Typically, car batteries last between 3-5 years depending on several factors. If your battery is more than three years old, consider having it tested and replaced, if needed, to avoid being stranded in frigid temperatures. Another benefit of checking your battery now is that it will also benefit you during the upcoming summer months. Heat is actually even worse on your car battery, so replacing an old battery now will save you from having to do it in the summer when you're more likely to want to spend your time outside and elsewhere.

2. Inspect Your Tires

Tires are your vehicle's only contact with the road, making them crucial for winter safety. Check the tread depth; it should be at least 2/32 of an inch. Consider switching to winter tires for better traction in snow and ice, and always maintain proper tire pressure, which can drop in colder weather. You can also opt for all-season or all-weather tires depending on your needs.

3. Replace Wiper Blades and Fluid

Visibility is key during winter storms. Replace old wiper blades and fill your windshield washer reservoir with a winter-grade fluid that won't freeze. Ensure your defroster and heater are functioning properly to keep your windshield clear. Remember to keep your air conditioning running with the defroster. Many vehicles will turn it on automatically with the defroster, because it dries the air and helps to defrost the windows. So if you're one of those drivers who didn't know and shuts it off, stop doing that.

4. Check Fluids and Filters

Ensure all fluids—oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid—are at appropriate levels and in good condition. 

As you can see, preparing your vehicle for cold weather in Frederick, MD doesn't involve anything too crazy, and many of the services you have done now will also be of benefit in spring and summer. So if you're overdue for an oil change or keep seeing streaks on your windshield because you can't remember when you replaced the wiper blades last, get over to The Tire Mart and take care of your seasonal winter maintenance. We provide a variety of tire services and automotive services to keep your vehicle at its best, from new car battery installations to brake repairs and alignments. 

We've got some cold nights ahead, but with The Tire Mart, your vehicle will be ready for them!