There are a lot of things to enjoy about winter, but most people don't list winter driving among them. You can change that with just a little seasonal preparation beforehand. Sturdy tires, a good coat of wax, some attention to the engine and a few other tasks will have you ready to battle the elements with ease, and the technicians here at Murray Mazda are here to help.
Tire Service
Start your winter vehicle preparation from the ground up with a good set of tires. Summer and winter make very different demands on your vehicle, and tires are no exception. When temperatures start to plummet and roads get slippery, your summer tires will struggle to do the simplest things you ask of them. It's best to change them for a set of all-season or dedicated winter tires to ensure the safest driving conditions.
Winter tires in particular have a deep tread that provides superior grip in slush and snow. They also have a unique rubber blend designed to stay pliable even in freezing temperatures that cause other tires to stiffen. Remaining supple allows them to conform better to the uneven surfaces you find with piles of snow on the road.
Engine Maintenance
Your engine is the next part of your Mazda that will benefit from some winter preparation. Your technician can perform an overall inspection to find any possible sources of trouble and eliminate them before they leave you stranded. Any faulty belts, cracked hoses or struggling gaskets should be replaced. Fluid levels in your windshield washer reservoir and coolant system should be refilled.
If your battery is new, it should be more than capable of handling cold temperatures, but if it's getting on in years, you'll want your technician to perform a strength test. Batteries rely on a chemical process in order to hold a charge. This process slows down in cold weather. If your battery is already weakening, the added effect from cold temperatures will be enough to cause it to fail.
Windshield Wipers
Your technician can also replace your wiper blades with a set designed to better handle the increased demands of winter, like ice and heavy slush. You may not have used your heater and defroster for quite a while, so your technician can make sure those are in good working order as well. Staying warm and comfortable behind the wheel will make even long trips more enjoyable, so you'll also want your technician to replace the air filter in your engine to ensure the air you're breathing is fresh and clean.
Body Care
The exterior of your Mazda really takes a beating during the winter. From freezing temperatures to icy conditions to sand, salt and grit, it's no wonder that most of the damage to your paint and undercarriage happen at this time of year. A thorough washing and a good coat of wax will go a long way toward protecting your exterior. You can keep the exposed engine parts and exhaust system underneath your vehicle protected with a good layer of undercoating that will last for a year and repel moisture damage.
Winter Emergency Kit
Another vital piece of preparation is to flesh out your emergency kit with items specifically for winter, like a warm blanket, a pair of gloves, some snacks and extra flashlight batteries. You should already keep some tools, jumper cables and flat tire repair items in your vehicle, but you can add a folding shovel for digging out of snow or mud. Some drivers like to include a bag of kitty litter for both the added weight and for sprinkling on surfaces to increase traction when getting stuck.
We can help you prepare for the coming cold weather at Murray Mazda, so make sure to schedule a service appointment with us soon!
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