Winter Isn’t Letting Up: Why Staying Ahead of Maintenance is the key to living life uninterrupted.
After a couple of snowstorms that dumped on us in January, it feels like the winter weather is just not letting up. When the snow starts piling up and the temperatures plummet toward zero, the last thing you want to deal with is a vehicle that won't cooperate.At DeBoer’s Auto, our mission is simple: we are here to help people live life uninterrupted. To do that, we have to stay ahead of the elements. Winter maintenance isn't just a suggestion; it’s the difference between making it to work on time and being stuck in a freezing parking lot waiting for a tow truck.
The Heartbeat of Your Car: The Battery
The first thing we need to talk about is your battery. It is the component we see fail most often during these zero-degree stretches. Every time you come in for an oil change, we check your battery’s state of health because we want to ensure that when you turn that key, the car does exactly what it’s supposed to do.
In the Northeast, a car battery typically only lasts about four years. If you’re pushing the envelope with an older battery, you’re playing a risky game with the cold. It is way easier, cheaper, and more convenient to have it swapped out proactively. Think of a new battery as "cheap insurance" to make sure your car functions properly when the most inconvenient moments strike.
Don't Get Locked Out
Another issue we see—which is actually quite painful to watch—happens when a battery finally dies. In today’s world, almost nobody uses their physical key lock anymore; we all rely on the remote. But when your car is dead, that remote won't work. If you haven't used that physical lock in years, it’s likely seized solid with road grime and corrosion.
This is why we emphasize lubricating your locks and door hinges. We also suggest that you treat the rubber seals around your doors. If your car sits outside during a snowstorm, those seals can freeze together, effectively welding your door shut. A little bit of lubricant goes a long way in ensuring you can actually get into your vehicle to start your day.
The Truth About Coolant and Antifreeze
Next up is your coolant—or as we call it this time of year, antifreeze. Gone are the days when people would swap out water for the summer and antifreeze for the winter; we run antifreeze all year long now. However, its protective properties can break down over time.
Part of our assessment is testing that fluid to ensure it can support the sub-zero temperatures we are seeing right now. If you haven't had your coolant exchanged within the past two years, now is the time to do it. Protecting your engine block from freezing and cracking is one of the most vital steps in keeping your vehicle on the road.
The "Sticky" Problem: Salt and Brine
Finally, let's talk about the abuse your car’s undercarriage takes. The state uses a brine solution on the highways now that often contains molasses. While that helps the salt stick to the road, it also means it sticks to your car like glue. It is incredibly corrosive and can wreck a vehicle’s frame and brake lines faster than you’d think.
Our best advice? Periodically—preferably after every snowstorm, once the roads are clear and safe—head to the car wash. Look for the "Platinum" package that includes the undercarriage spray. It’s a few extra dollars, but it’s money well spent to get that sticky, salty mess off your car and extend its useful life.
Winter is tough, but your car can be tougher if we keep it prepared. For more tips on staying safe this season, head over to autorepair.shop and let’s keep you moving.
