Winter maintenance helps prevent common failures that leave you stuck in a driveway or parking lot or on the shoulder of the highway.
We recently wrote an article on how the weather and seasons affect vehicle oil performance but now want to showcase the two most important maintenance services your vehicle needs in the winter.
We all know that winter driving is hard on a vehicle. Cold temperatures make fluids thicker and makes the electrical systems work harder. Most of the time your car will still runs, but small weaknesses show up faster once the weather turns.
The services that prevent the biggest winter headaches are a battery and charging-system check, and a full coolant and heating-system inspection.
Together, they cover the two most common winter problems – the no-start situations and overheating or heat-loss issues.
1. Battery and Charging System Check
In severely cold weather batteries deliver less power and engines require more effort to turn over. This combination of factors increases the chance of a failed start, especially for vehicles with older or weakened batteries.
A basic voltage DIY test is not enough to properly assess the condition of your battery in winter conditions but it can be a good indicator that something is wrong.
What’s included in a charging system check
- A load test to check if your battery can deliver adequate cranking power.
- An alternator output test to confirm the battery is being properly recharged.
- Inspection and cleaning of battery terminals and cables.
- A visual check of the serpentine belt that powers the alternator.
If your battery is more than three years old or you’ve noticed any signs of hesitation during startup, your vehicle should be brought to your mechanic in the late fall so the test can be done before cold winter conditions set in.
Common symptoms of a weak electrical system
- Engine cranks slowly in the morning.
- Headlights dim when the engine idles.
- Needing a boost after the car sits for a few days.
- Dashboard lights flicker or behave inconsistently.
- Power windows or door locks operate more slowly than usual.
These symptoms tend to get worse in cold weather so testing early helps avoid unexpected failures.
2. Coolant and Heating System Inspection
Coolant plays two critical roles in the winter. It prevents the engine from freezing and helps maintain normal operating temperatures. Contrary to what many believe, overheating can still happen in the winter due to other factors and thermostat failures, blocked airflow, or coolant problems.
What’s included in the heating and cooling system inspection
- Testing the freeze point of your coolant mixture.
- Checking the coolant level in the radiator and overflow reservoir.
- Visual inspection of all hoses and clamps for leaks or damage.
- A pressure test to confirm the system holds proper pressure.
- Verifying proper function of the heater core and thermostat.
- Checking cabin heat and defrost output.
Why this matters in winter
If the coolant is too diluted, it can freeze and damage internal components. A leaking or restricted system may not provide enough heat to the cabin or may allow the engine to run too hot under certain driving conditions. These problems are more common once temperatures drop below freezing.
So, if you notice slow cabin heat-up, excessive steam on the windshield, or fluctuating temperature gauges, the system should be checked right away. If it’s not checked, it can lead to coolant loss, reduced defrost performance, engine overheating, or internal damage caused by freezing or pressure buildup in the system.
Our Recommendation
These two vehicle services address the most common causes of winter breakdowns so we advise that you schedule both services before winter is in full swing to reduce the chance of being stranded or facing expensive repairs.