I sincerely thank Jiffy Lube for their generous product contributions, which have made this blog review possible. I want to assure you that all the opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Preparing for harsher road conditions is crucial as we head into the colder months. The experts at Jiffy Lube can help drivers winterize their vehicles to help ensure they’re safe and ready for weather conditions this winter.
Below is a checklist of what drivers should check and do regarding vehicle preparation and maintenance for winter driving. With the assistance of Jiffy Lube, a trusted name in vehicle maintenance, you can ensure your vehicle is ready for the challenges of winter driving.
1. Motor Oil: Motor oil is the lifeblood of a vehicle because it helps keep the engine cool and prevent moving parts from grinding. Vehicle manufacturers recommend regularly changing the oil and filter, which can be referenced in the owner’s manual. Jiffy Lube is known for its quick and easy Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change, a comprehensive preventive maintenance service to check, change, inspect, and fill essential systems and components of the vehicle.
2. Tires: Tires tend to lose air in the winter and must have proper tire pressure to navigate slick, icy roads. Drivers should check their tires whenever their Tire Pressure Monitoring System indicator is illuminated and when they fill their gas tanks. Tires should be inflated to the recommended psi for the vehicle—this information is typically located in the owner’s manual and on a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb.
3. Windshield Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid: Wiper blades are another critical component of winterizing your car. They should glide smoothly across the windshield so they do not leave streaks or blurry spots. Cracked or worn blades should be replaced ahead of the winter months to avoid any visibility issues. Special winter blades designed for use in heavy snow and ice are also available if you need them where you live. Windshield washer fluid is critical for good visibility since it helps clear away ice, road grime, and dirt. The experts at Jiffy Lube can inspect and change your wiper blades as needed.
4. Brakes: Driving on snow and ice in winter is much different from driving on dry roads. The key to driving safely is to brake early and gently and keep your movements smooth and steady. Brake components should be inspected at recommended vehicle manufacturer intervals.
5. Coolant: Coolant—known as antifreeze or radiator fluid—is essential in colder temperatures to protect the cooling system from freezing. The team at your local Jiffy Lube can test your coolant and, if it needs to be replaced, replace it with a coolant that meets manufacturer specifications to ensure your vehicle is ready for harsh temperatures.
6. Car Battery: Cold temperatures challenge all batteries, and a weak battery might not have the energy to start a cold engine. Take your vehicle to an automotive expert, like the team at Jiffy Lube, at the beginning of the season to ensure your battery has enough power to get you through the winter. To minimize strain, always start the vehicle with accessories like the heater fan, lights, and window defrosters
turned off.
7. Gasoline: Ensure your gas tank is at least half full in the winter. Water vapor can condense on the inner walls of an empty fuel tank overnight in freezing weather and drip into the gas, so you’ll want to keep your tank at least half full to minimize risk.
8. Emergency Kit: In addition to vehicle maintenance, the experts at Jiffy Lube stress the importance of a winter car emergency kit. This kit is stocked with essentials like a first aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, bottled water, extra blankets, gloves and hats, energy bars, duct tape, a can of Fix-a-Flat®, a snow brush, an ice scraper, and a hand shovel, can provide a sense of security in case of unforeseen events.
Preparing your vehicle for winter driving is essential to ensure safety and reliability on the road. By following the checklist and seeking assistance from trusted experts like Jiffy Lube, you can take proactive steps to winterize your vehicle and tackle the challenges of colder weather conditions. Stay safe and be prepared for the road ahead.
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Hello, my name is Laurie. My family and I live near the Oregon coast. When we aren’t at work, in school, or on the volleyball court, we enjoy traveling, cheering for our favorite sports teams, playing outdoors, and checking off items on our bucket list. We are lucky in that both sets of our parents, as well as our siblings and their families, live within an hour of us. We get together often to help one another out, celebrate milestones, and go on adventures together.
These are great tips for preparing your vehicle for Winter. I always make sure mine get a tune up before it gets cold, and of course tires are always important. I can see needing wheel chains if you live somewhere where it snows a lot and gets icy as well.
Leela
These are great tips for preparing your vehicle for Winter. I always make sure mine get a tune up before it gets cold, and of course tires are always important. I can see needing wheel chains if you live somewhere where it snows a lot and gets icy as well.