www.thelandautorepair.com or call 855-253-2886
By Cleveland Auto Repair, where humor meets horsepower.
Winter in Cleveland isn’t just a season; it’s a battle against the elements. Your car doesn’t enjoy freezing its bolts off any more than you do. To avoid becoming a popsicle on four wheels, here are some tips to keep your ride running smoothly, even when it feels like the Arctic outside.
1. Check Your Battery
Your battery has one job: starting your car. Yet, in extreme cold, it can feel like the lazy coworker who calls in sick on the busiest day of the year.
- What to Do: Test your battery’s voltage before winter. A fully charged battery reads 12.6 volts or higher. If it’s older than three years, consider a replacement.
- Pro Tip: Clean the terminals with baking soda and a toothbrush—your battery deserves a spa day, too!
2. Inspect Your Tires
Sliding around on icy roads might be fun in a hockey game, but not in your car. Proper tires are essential for cold weather.
- What to Do: Check the tread depth. Use the penny test: Insert a penny headfirst into the tread. If Lincoln’s head is visible, it’s time for new tires.
- Pro Tip: Invest in winter tires. They grip icy roads like a toddler grips candy.
3. Warm Up Your Fluids
Cold weather thickens fluids in your car, making it harder for them to do their job. Think of it as syrup straight from the fridge—it’s not flowing anywhere fast.
- What to Do: Switch to winter-grade oil, which flows more easily in low temperatures. Top off your antifreeze to prevent freezing in the radiator.
- Pro Tip: Keep your windshield wiper fluid topped up with a formula designed for subzero temps. Visibility is key when dodging potholes!
4. Fuel Up
A low gas tank is a big no-no in winter. Condensation can form in the tank and freeze, blocking fuel lines.
- What to Do: Keep your tank at least half full at all times.
- Pro Tip: Add a fuel stabilizer to prevent water build-up and keep your engine purring.
5. Test Your Heater and Defroster
Nobody wants to feel like they’re in an icebox during their commute. Plus, a working defroster ensures you can see out the windshield—kind of important.
- What to Do: Test your heater and defroster before winter hits. If they’re not up to snuff, swing by Cleveland Auto Repair. We’ll warm them up for you.
- Pro Tip: Keep an ice scraper and de-icer spray in your car for quick frost removal.
6. Replace Your Wipers
Those old wipers that barely cleared summer bugs? They won’t stand a chance against winter slush.
- What to Do: Install winter wiper blades—they’re built to handle snow and ice.
- Pro Tip: Lift your wipers off the windshield when parked to prevent them from freezing in place.
7. Keep an Emergency Kit
Let’s face it: Cleveland winters can be unpredictable. A little preparation goes a long way.
- What to Pack: Blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, snacks, and a bag of kitty litter for traction.
- Pro Tip: Don’t forget your sense of humor. You’ll need it when your coworker sends you beach photos from Florida.
Let Cleveland Auto Repair Help!
Whether it’s a battery check, tire swap, or a full winter-ready tune-up, we’ve got your back. At Cleveland Auto Repair, we specialize in keeping your car humming through the coldest of Cleveland winters.
Give us a call at 855-CLE-AUTO, or stop by our shop at 6211 Cedar Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103.
Visit our website: www.thelandautorepair.com.
Stay warm, stay safe, and remember: we fix cars and crack jokes all winter long!