Winter Readiness: Preparing Your Vehicle for Cold Weather at Beer's Automotive Services and Repair

Why Winter Car Maintenance Matters in Shelby, OH

Winter in Shelby, OH, can be harsh on vehicles, with freezing temperatures, icy roads, and heavy snowfall creating challenging driving conditions. At Beer's Automotive Services and Repair, we believe that preparing your car for winter isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, reliability, and saving money in the long run. Proper winter maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns, reduce the risk of accidents, and extend the lifespan of your vehicle.

Whether you’re commuting daily or planning a long winter road trip, taking the time to winterize your car ensures you won’t be left stranded in the cold. Let’s go over the essential winter maintenance steps to keep your vehicle running smoothly all season long.

1. Inspect and Replace Your Battery

Cold Weather Drains Car Batteries Faster

As temperatures drop, so does your battery’s efficiency. Cold weather makes it harder for the battery to generate enough power to start your engine. If your battery is over three years old or struggles to hold a charge, winter is the worst time for it to fail.

What we do at Beer's Automotive:

• Perform a comprehensive battery test to check voltage and charging capacity.
• Clean battery terminals to prevent corrosion.
• Replace old or weak batteries with high-performance options suited for winter.

If your car hesitates when starting, brings up warning lights, or requires frequent jump-starts, it’s time to get your battery checked before winter sets in.

2. Switch to Winter-Grade Motor Oil

Cold-Weather Viscosity Matters

Engine oil thickens in cold temperatures, making it harder for the engine to circulate lubrication properly. That’s why switching to a winter-grade synthetic oil is essential for optimal engine performance.

How we help at Beer's Automotive:

• Check your current oil’s viscosity and recommend an appropriate winter-grade oil.
• Perform a complete oil and filter change to ensure a clean and efficient engine.

If you’re unsure whether your car needs winter-specific oil, visit our shop in Shelby, OH, and we’ll ensure your engine stays protected all season.

3. Check Antifreeze and Coolant Levels

Prevent Your Engine from Freezing

Your engine’s cooling system is just as important in winter as in summer. Antifreeze prevents the engine from freezing in subzero temperatures and helps regulate internal heat.

Winter readiness checklist for your cooling system:

• Check coolant levels and top them off if necessary.
• Ensure the coolant mix is at the optimal 50/50 ratio of antifreeze to water for winter conditions.
• Inspect hoses and the radiator for leaks or cracks.

Neglecting coolant maintenance can lead to costly engine damage, so don’t wait until freezing temperatures hit—get your coolant system checked now!

4. Ensure Proper Tire Traction

Snow, Ice, and Worn Tires Don’t Mix

Tires play a critical role in winter driving safety. Worn-out or underinflated tires reduce traction on icy roads, increasing the risk of sliding and losing control.

What we check at Beer's Automotive:

• Tread depth – Tires should have at least 5/32” of tread for winter driving.
• Proper inflation – Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop. We’ll adjust it to manufacturer recommendations.
• Winter tire options – If you drive frequently in snow and ice, switching to dedicated winter tires can improve handling and braking performance.

If your tires are worn or showing uneven wear patterns, it’s time to replace them before winter arrives.

5. Test Your Heating and Defrosting System

Stay Warm and Maintain Visibility

Your car’s heater is more than just a comfort feature—it’s essential for defrosting windows and preventing dangerous visibility issues. A weak or failing heater could leave you shivering on cold morning commutes.

Key heating system checks:

• Inspect the heater core and blower motor for proper function.
• Test the defrosting system to ensure it clears fog and ice efficiently.
• Check for coolant leaks that may affect heating performance.

If your car takes too long to warm up or the defroster isn’t working well, let us diagnose and fix the issue.

6. Check Your Brakes for Maximum Safety

Stopping Power is Crucial on Slippery Roads

Snow and ice make stopping distances significantly longer. If your brakes are worn or not responding as they should, winter conditions will only make things worse.

At Beer's Automotive, we:

• Inspect brake pads and rotors for wear.
• Check brake fluid levels and replace old fluid if needed.
• Test ABS (anti-lock braking system) to ensure proper function.

Your brakes are your car’s most critical safety system—don’t ignore warning signs like squeaking, grinding, or a soft brake pedal.

7. Replace Windshield Wipers and Top Off Washer Fluid

Clear Vision is Essential in Winter Weather

Heavy snowfall and freezing rain can quickly reduce visibility, making it difficult to drive safely. Having reliable winter wiper blades and the right washer fluid can make all the difference.

Winter wiper checklist:

• Install heavy-duty wiper blades designed for ice and snow.
• Use freeze-resistant washer fluid to prevent it from icing up on cold days.
• Check for cracks or stiffness in rubber wiper blades and replace them if necessary.

Don’t get caught in a snowstorm with ineffective wipers—get them checked before winter arrives.

8. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Vehicle

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Even with the best preparation, winter weather can be unpredictable. That’s why it’s a good idea to carry an emergency kit in your car, especially for long trips.

Winter emergency essentials:

• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Jumper cables or a battery booster
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Blankets and warm clothing
• Non-perishable snacks and water
• Road salt or sand for traction
• First aid kit

Having these items on hand can make a big difference if you find yourself stuck in a winter storm.

Schedule Your Winter Maintenance at Beer's Automotive Today

Winter can be tough on your vehicle, but with the right preparation, you can drive confidently all season long. At Beer's Automotive Services and Repair in Shelby, OH, we specialize in comprehensive winter car maintenance, ensuring your vehicle stays reliable and safe in the cold months ahead.

Don’t wait until the first snowfall—schedule your winter readiness service today and drive with peace of mind this winter!