Winter Service Checklist: Battery, Brakes, and Fluids Before the Cold Hits
Six things to work through this fall so a Michigan winter doesn't catch your vehicle out.
Michigan winters are long, cold, and invariably snowy. So you don't want to wait for the cold snap to hit before you prepare your vehicle for the chilly months ahead. Start your winter maintenance in the fall, and you'll be prepared for all types of journeys, no matter how the weather changes.
Follow our winter service checklist to make sure you don't miss anything. If you need more advice, or to book your pre-winter service, call Clift Buick GMC, Adrian, MI, at 517-836-1470.
Brakes
Slick, wet roads and icy conditions require brakes that work as you expect them to. A delay from a long brake pedal or worn pads can be the difference between a safe journey and an accident.
Tires
Do you need winter tires? Not necessarily, if you have good-quality all-season tires. However, you should be checking that they have good tread, that the wear is even, and that the pressures are correct. Pressure may drop with the temperature, so regular checks keep your vehicle road-ready every day.
If you notice embedded objects in your tires, such as a nail or some broken glass, contact an expert for a repair. Where the tire wear is uneven, your local service center may be able to offer a tire rotation to help even this out.
- Check tread depth across all four tires
- Look for uneven wear patterns
- Check pressures as temperatures drop
- Have embedded nails or glass looked at
Check Your Fluids
Your vehicle uses so many fluids: oil, washer fluid, coolant, and many more. The ones you can check, you should check, especially as the cold weather approaches.
Oil
Oil needs checking and changing regularly. Find out when your last full service was and whether it included a full oil change. Fresh oil lubricates the engine for increased efficiency and creates a barrier between moving metal parts.
Coolant
Coolant offers the dual effect of keeping your engine cooler in summer and preventing it from freezing in winter. If you don't know how to check your coolant levels, contact your local service center.
Washer Fluid
It may seem less vital than the others, but if you can't see through your windshield, you're likely to get into an accident. Road spray and slush can quickly obscure your visibility. Buy a washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures so it stays liquid in winter conditions.
Wipers and Lights
Seeing clearly, and being seen, both get harder once the nights draw in.
Wipers
Washer fluid isn't much use without effective wipers. If your wipers aren't moving correctly, or if they're squeaking or scraping against the glass, it's time for new ones.
Check your existing wipers to see what type you need, and don't forget about your rear wiper, if you have one.
Lights
Headlights, fog lights, and brake lights are all essential, especially as the nights get darker. Wipe any mud or dirt away from the lights to ensure they're shining as brightly as possible, and test all your lights to check that every bulb is working as expected.
If you need replacements, take the old bulb into the parts store or service center so you can be sure you get the correct part. Alternatively, refer to your owner's manual to find the correct bulb types.
Battery
A dying battery is the last thing you want in winter, especially if you're a frequent driver. Signs to watch out for:
Ready to Book Your Winter Service?
Don't waste time searching online for "brake repair near me" or "battery repair near me." You can book a winter vehicle prep inspection right here at Clift Buick GMC, Adrian, and we'll ensure every aspect of winter readiness is covered.
We'll check your battery, brakes, fluids, and more, and let you know if we recommend any work ahead of the cold season. Stay safe while you're on the road, all year round.
Before the First Hard Freeze
An inspection this fall beats a jump start in a parking lot in January. Our team can work through the whole checklist in one visit.
The guidance here is general and is not a substitute for your owner's manual or an inspection by a qualified technician. Always confirm the correct oil, coolant, tire pressure, bulb types, battery specification and maintenance intervals for your specific vehicle in your owner's manual. Battery service life varies with climate, driving patterns and vehicle electrical load. All-season and winter tires perform differently in snow and ice; reduce speed and increase following distance in winter conditions. Service availability and pricing are subject to change. See Clift Buick GMC for complete details.