Is Your Ford Winter Ready?
How to Prepare Your Ford for Winter
Winter is almost here, which means it’s time to get your Ford ready for the cold. But why is this so important? Unlike any other season, winter is generally harsh on your car—most importantly, its parts, fluids and electrical systems face added pressure in freezing temperatures. Plus, snow-covered roads, black ice, low traction and unpredictable winter can make even a short trip a challenging driving experience. To keep your drive smooth, safe, and reliable all season long, proper winter maintenance is essential. Well, you still have time, which is why the experts at Bourgeois Motors Ford have put together their top winter car maintenance tips to help you prepare your Ford for the season ahead. Take a look!
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Top Winter Car Maintenance Tips
- Keep your car battery in good health: If you don’t know this already, during winter, car batteries lose their charge faster, which can affect their performance and health. To avoid getting stranded on the road due to a weak battery, have it inspected before winter starts. This inspection may include testing battery voltage, checking battery terminals for signs of corrosion, checking cables and connections, and more.
- Install winter tires: Summer tires are not efficient and safe to drive on in winter due to their distinctive rubber tread and design. To enjoy a smooth drive, enhanced stability, and optimal traction on winter roads, it’s better to switch to a good set of winter tires as soon as the temperature starts to hover around or drop below 7°C.
- Check fluid levels: During winter, your Ford’s various fluids, including brake fluid, transmission fluid, engine oil and coolant, can thicken, reducing their ability to circulate properly and protecting the different components. To keep your car running smoothly in cold weather, check all fluid levels regularly and top them up as needed. Plus, some fluids you use in summer (such as improper windshield washer fluid) may be ineffective in winter, so don’t forget to replace them with winter-grade ones.
- Monitor tire pressure: Car tires are susceptible to losing pressure faster as the temperature reaches close to the freezing point. And low tire pressure can severely affect fuel economy, tire life, and handling, which is why you must check tire pressure before a road trip, especially a long one, and inflate them more than usual, following the owner’s manual for more accurate information.
- Get winter-grade wiper blades: Good visibility is key to a safe, smooth drive all year long, so check your wiper blades regularly, as snow buildup can affect their efficiency and overall performance. Consider replacing the existing ones with a new pair if you notice streaking or skipping.
- Prepare an emergency kit: A winter emergency kit is one of the most important things you carry on a road trip, especially during winter, as it consists of all the essentials, such as jumper cables, tools, first-aid kits, extra washer fluid, flashlights and more, to keep you well-prepared for an unpredictable situation on the road.
Book Your Auto Maintenance Service at Bourgeois Motors Ford
Want your Ford to get winter-ready? Book a service appointment with our experienced technicians at Bourgeois Motors Ford, your trusted dealership for all things Ford in Midland, ON. Moreover, if you have questions about any specific winter auto service, winter tires, or anything else, please feel free to reach out to our experts at 705-526-2278. We look forward to helping you!