Prevention is better than cure. A principle which is also valid for your vehicle! Maintaining your car is essential for its proper functioning but also for your safety. To limit any risk of breakdown or accidents on the road, follow the following tips.

Here’s our 10-Point Winter Maintenance Checklist

In winter season you will ride in rain, snow or ice. Choose a suitable windshield washer. Check wiper condition, tire wear and pressure, battery, coolant, lights and heat. In some areas, it is useful to equip yourself with snow tires. In case of a problem on snowy roads, your car insurance assistance guarantee allows you to be taken care of quickly.

Check Your Car’s Maintenance Record

Each model of vehicle has a maintenance book of its own, which lists the items to be checked according to the recommendations of the manufacturers, as well as the time frame for these checks. It is, in a way, the health record of the vehicle. You can also use Carfax to keep track of your car’s maintenance.

When it’s time to sell your car, you can reassure the buyer by presenting evidence of regular maintenance. Make sure your car maintenance is up to date.

Check the Oil Level

The regular checking of the oil level must become a reflex for the drivers. Note that it is advisable to perform the oil change at least once a year.

If you’re not sure how to check your car’s oil level, watch the video below:

Check the Oil Filter

The role of the oil filter is to filter the impurities in the oil to prevent them from fouling the engine. The oil filters contribute to the vehicle’s performance and can, if not changed regularly, reduce the efficiency and, in some cases, damage to the engine components.

Generally, if you follow your oil change schedule, checking the oil and the oil filter will be managed by a mechanic at your favorite shop.

Check the Air Filter

The air filter is designed to protect the motor by preventing dust and dirt from entering. It ensures optimal combustion by ensuring the purity of the air-fuel mixture necessary for the operation of the vehicle. If it is used, it can led to over-consumption: so be sure to check the condition of your air filter and replace it regularly by following the deadlines recommended by the manufacturer!

Check the Fuel Filter

Whether you drive a car running gasoline or diesel, the fuel filter plays a vital role. On gasoline vehicles, it protects the injection system, and on diesel vehicles, it eliminates impurities and to separate water from fuel. If your filter is used up and dirty, it may damage the engine. Remember to replace it regularly by following the deadlines recommended by the manufacturer.

Check the Coolant

It is also important to check the coolant levels. This reduces the engine temperature and prevents overheating. Check the fluid level when the engine is cold, and on a level surface. For optimum operation, the coolant must be replaced every 4 years.

Refrigerant Control

The refrigerant is used for the air conditioning of the vehicle. For your comfort and that of your passengers, it is essential to have an operational and responsive air conditioning system. Over time, the refrigerant gas in your air conditioning system evaporates. For a faster cold and avoid a breakage of the compressor, it is recommended to charge the air conditioning circuit every 2 years.

Check Car Bulbs

Stops, turn signals, low beam, and fog: remember to check the condition of all your car bulbs. Be aware that it is recommended to always have a box of spare bulbs for all of your headlights.

Check the Wiper Blades

Wiper blade wear can result in loss of visibility during inclement weather, even though conditions require great vigilance on the part of drivers. Check that they work properly: no jerks, and no streaks of dirt on the windshield.

Make sure that they also clean your windshield properly. No smudge and no blind or blurry spot that can compromise your view of the roads.

Check Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is also an important point not to neglect. Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can lead to over-consumption of fuel or even a puncture. To find the indications, it is usually enough to refer to the vehicle’s instructions or to check the inside of the fuel cap on which the recommended pressure appears. Remember that high temperature variations can affect the performance of your tires and weaken them.

Are you ready for winter to be over yet? Not so fast! But if you follow these tips, you can protect your car and help ensure its long performance.