Winter is just around the corner and you know it can be an unforgiving season in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent. The nasty mixture of freezing rain, snow, ice, salt, sub-zero temperatures… it all takes a brutal toll on your vehicle.

The truth is that our winter weather is going to make driving a challenge at times, but that doesn’t mean you have to let it beat up on your car or truck too. Of course the cold is hard on your whole vehicle, but there are certain parts that take a harsher beating than the rest, and that’s where being prepared can protect your investment in the long run.

Now, before the last-minute frenzy caused by the first snowfall, is the best time to prep your vehicle for the winter months ahead. Consider a tune-up and inspection well before this wintry weather descends.

At the Tilbury Auto Mall, they have a small army of certified technicians who will examine your vehicle’s battery. check antifreeze levels and make sure that the thermostat, defroster, brakes, and even wiper blades are working as they should be. They will also inspect your tires for adequate tread.

But there are a few simple things you can take care of yourself as well.

If you haven’t done so by Halloween, switch out your existing windshield washer fluid with one that will not freeze in cold conditions. While you’re at it, consider replacing your wiper blades with ones designed specifically to hold up in snow and icy weather. And once winter arrives in force, always make sure the nozzles on the windshield-washer system are clear of ice and snow. Lastly, when the wind is biting, avoid the temptation to jump in your vehicle and use washer fluid and wipers to clean away any ice build up. Starting your wipers while they’re frozen to the windshield is one of the quickest ways to damage the wiping edge and reduce their effectiveness.

It almost goes without saying that you should inspect your tires routinely, as weather changes can affect tire pressure and strength. Consider winter tires for your vehicle. Not only are they designed specifically to improve traction in the snow, you might also be eligible for a discount on your insurance when you use them. Check out our Winter Tire Buying guide

Applying a new coat of wax in the late fall will help to protect your vehicle’s paint against road salt, snow, sleet, and rain. Whether you wax it or not, it’s always a good idea when possible to rinse off road salt so it doesn’t dry on the vehicle. It’s a misconception that salt stops being a problem once it dries. Humidity in the air is enough to keep the salt eating away at your car’s paint, and contribute to rust. So make sure to rinse off the undercarriage of the vehicle as well.

It may seem obvious, but never use your windshield scraper on the body of your car. Instead, remove snow with a soft brush or a foam brush. No matter how careful you are, hard plastic scrapers will eventually scratch painted surfaces.

And while it’s may seem strange to be talking about the end of winter before the first frost, think about having your alignment checked toward the end of winter or in the early spring. A winter’s worth of driving over potholes or hitting parking curbs buried under snow drifts can affect the alignment.

Contact one of the Tilbury Auto Mall service centers today – (833) 845-2879  and get your vehicle ready for winter driving!