Winter Car Care Tips: Preparing Your Vehicle for Cold Weather

Winter in Pike & Meredith, NH brings snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, making it essential to prepare your vehicle for the challenges of cold weather driving. From icy roads to engine strain, the winter season can put extra stress on your car, increasing the risk of breakdowns if proper maintenance isn’t performed. At Oliverian Automotive, we help drivers stay safe and prepared with seasonal maintenance and expert winter car care services.

Taking proactive steps now can prevent costly repairs, improve vehicle performance, and ensure safer driving all winter long. In this guide, we’ll share essential winter car care tips to keep your car running smoothly even in the harshest conditions.

1. Check and Maintain Your Battery

Cold weather is tough on car batteries. Low temperatures slow down the chemical reactions inside the battery, reducing its ability to hold a charge. If your battery is three years or older, it’s a good idea to have it tested to ensure it can handle the winter season.

Signs of a Weak Battery:

✔ Slow engine crank when starting
✔ Dim headlights and interior lights
✔ Electrical issues (radio, power windows, dashboard lights)

At Oliverian Automotive, we offer battery testing and replacement services to ensure your car starts reliably in subzero temperatures.

2. Use the Right Engine Oil

Motor oil thickens in cold weather, making it harder for your engine to turn over. Switching to a winter-grade oil ensures proper lubrication and reduces engine strain. Check your owner’s manual or ask our ASE-certified technicians for the best oil viscosity for winter driving.

We recommend synthetic oil for extreme temperatures, as it flows better in cold weather and provides superior engine protection. Visit Oliverian Automotive for an oil change before winter arrives to keep your engine running smoothly.

3. Inspect Your Tires for Winter Readiness

Tires are your first line of defense against icy and snow-covered roads. Worn-out tires with low tread depth can make it harder to stop and control your vehicle in winter conditions.

Winter Tire Checklist:

✔ Tread Depth: Ensure tires have at least 4/32 inches of tread for winter driving.
✔ Tire Pressure: Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop, so check it regularly.
✔ Winter Tires: Consider switching to snow tires for better traction and stability.

Our team at Oliverian Automotive can inspect your tires and recommend the best options for winter road conditions in Pike & Meredith, NH.

4. Check and Replace Wiper Blades

Snow, sleet, and freezing rain can severely limit visibility if your wipers are worn or ineffective. Replace wiper blades before winter arrives and consider using winter-specific blades designed to withstand ice buildup.

Additional Tips:

✔ Use winter-grade washer fluid to prevent freezing.
✔ Keep an ice scraper and snow brush in your car.

At Oliverian Automotive, we provide windshield wiper replacements and washer fluid refills to help you drive safely in low-visibility conditions.

5. Keep Your Cooling System in Check

While it may seem counterintuitive, your cooling system is just as important in winter as it is in summer. Antifreeze (coolant) helps prevent your engine from freezing in cold temperatures.

Cooling System Tips:

✔ Check your antifreeze levels and top off if needed.
✔ Ensure the coolant mixture is 50/50 antifreeze and water for optimal freezing protection.
✔ Have your radiator and hoses inspected for leaks or cracks.

We offer cooling system inspections and antifreeze refills at Oliverian Automotive to help prevent winter-related engine issues.

6. Test Your Heating and Defrosting System

There’s nothing worse than driving in subfreezing temperatures with a malfunctioning heater. Before winter sets in, test your car’s heater and defroster to ensure they work properly.

If your heater isn’t blowing warm air or your defroster isn’t clearing the windshield effectively, our technicians at Oliverian Automotive can diagnose and repair the issue so you stay warm on the road.

7. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car

Winter weather can be unpredictable, and it’s always best to prepare for the unexpected. Having a winter emergency kit in your car can make all the difference if you get stranded.

Essential Winter Car Kit:

✔ Ice scraper and snow brush
✔ Jumper cables
✔ Flashlight and extra batteries
✔ Blanket and warm clothing
✔ Non-perishable snacks and water
✔ First-aid kit
✔ Sand or kitty litter (for traction if stuck in snow)

At Oliverian Automotive, we encourage all drivers to keep emergency essentials in their vehicle for added safety and peace of mind.

8. Get a Professional Winter Inspection

One of the best ways to ensure your vehicle is winter-ready is by having a professional seasonal inspection. At Oliverian Automotive, we offer comprehensive winter car checks, including:

• Battery testing and replacement
• Tire inspections and winter tire installations
• Oil changes with winter-grade motor oil
• Cooling system and antifreeze checks
• Brake and suspension evaluations
• Heating and defrosting system inspections

With our ASE-certified technicians and 36-month/36,000-mile NAPA AutoCare Warranty, you can trust us to keep your vehicle in peak condition for the winter months.

Prepare Your Car for Winter with Oliverian Automotive

Winter driving in Pike & Meredith, NH, can be challenging, but with proper preparation and maintenance, you can stay safe and confident on the road. At Oliverian Automotive, we’re here to help you winterize your vehicle with expert inspections, repairs, and seasonal services.

Don’t wait until winter hits—schedule your winter car maintenance today at Oliverian Automotive and ensure your car is ready for the season!