Five Auto Services You Shouldn’t Skip | Winter Maintenance At V&F Auto

Posted on December 8, 2021 in Maintenance, Tips From The Pros

Winter maintenance is more important than ever—when the snowy, bitter weather starts, it’s important to make sure that your car is prepared for inclement weather conditions. Our Winter Car Care list highlights the different areas of your car that you should pay special attention to as we ring in the new year and prepare for a harsh New England winter.

Battery

Varying temperatures can have a huge impact on your car's batteries, especially when the cold finally hits. Even with regular use, batteries usually need to be replaced every 3-5 years— and already weak batteries tend to lose charge faster when the temperature drops. Having your battery and charging system evaluated will help to ensure you never find yourself stranded.

Engine

Cold weather can also exacerbate any lingering engine issues, such as slow acceleration or difficulty starting the car. A simple tune-up can help with both the performance and the lifespan of your engine. Our technicians can perform visual and diagnostic checks of your spark plugs, oxygen sensors, distributor cap, brakes, and more, to make sure your drive is as safe as possible.

Filters

The increase in traveling over the summer often increases the amount of debris entering your car's filtration system, which can lead to trouble at the end of the season. Our techs have all of the filters your car needs to keep it running smoothly. Whether you need oil filters, cabin filters, fuel, coolant, or transmission filters, we can check and change the proper ones that are specific to your vehicle.

Tires

Drivers tend to rack up miles on their tires during vacations and road trips in the summer months. This isn't a bad thing in and of itself but the colder weather plays a big part in the pressure of your tires. Inspecting their wear and inflation level ensures that the tread can safely and efficiently provide you with the best traction on the road, as roads start to get icy. Always make sure to have your spare tire checked as well, in case of a flat.

Fluids

From topping off the fluid for your windshield wipers and coolant to oil changes and transmission flushes, our ASE-certified technicians can help with all of the necessary fluids your car needs. We can also recommend products specific to your vehicle and your driving, to help maximize your vehicle's performance and longevity.

Winter Maintenance At V&F

Don’t let the weather sneak up on you. Being proactive and getting your car set for the colder weather early on not only saves you from costly repairs down the road but helps keep you safe on the road. Call us at (413)314-2280 to discuss your maintenance schedule, or schedule an appointment online. This article was originally published in 2019 and has been updated.