Winter maintainance and service at a Ford Dealership: Everything you need to know
Winter maintainance and service at a Ford Dealership: Everything you need to know
Posted on December 13, 2022
Winter is almost upon us in Canada, and now is the time to take your car in for winter maintenance checks. In Spruce Grove, we experience harsh winter weather conditions, which affect our vehicles as much as it affects us.
It’s best to be prepared for the winter so that the hazards of driving in snow and on icy roads can be managed as best as possible. You can trust Zender Ford with your car maintenance change.
Tyres
Checking your tyres is a critical first step for your winter maintenance. Winter driving conditions are hazardous enough without adding poor tyre quality to them.
It’s vital that you have good tread depth, as bald tyres will mean you have four sleighs under your car instead of four tyres. Alberta often has heavy snowfalls, so it’s wise to consider changing your tyres from all-season tyres to snow tyres.
Also, ensure your tyres are correctly inflated for winter conditions. A tyre correctly inflated during summer may be underinflated when the cold weather strikes.
Under the Hood
The battery is highly susceptible to the cold and must be charged appropriately. Cold weather starting places a heavy strain on your battery, so a battery that’s functioning well is vital.
All the oils must be checked to ensure they’re performing efficiently. The cold weather means the oil will flow more sluggishly.
Your radiator must contain the correct type of antifreeze. Having pure water or a low concentration of antifreeze will result in burst pipes and a damaged engine. Having your radiator filled with the correct concentration of antifreeze will protect your car from temperatures as low as -30°. The cooling system should be drained, and the coolant replaced every two years to ensure it’s kept at an optimal concentration.
Driving in winter conditions means a lot of grime is thrown up from vehicle tyres. Much of this grit will land on your windscreen, so ensure that your windshield washer fluid reservoir is full and kept topped up during the cold weather. You’ll use it often to clear the windshield, so it must be regularly checked.
Your heating system needs to be thoroughly checked. This must also include your windshield and rear windshield defrosters.
You must also check your lights, both front and rear to ensure they’re in optimal working condition.
Emergency Kit
Zender Ford recommends having an emergency kit stored in the car during the winter. This emergency kit should include blankets, a warm hat and mittens, over boots or a spare pair of boots, thick socks, ice scrapers, a small shovel, water, and snacks. Also include pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, a flashlight, and a de-icer.
Contact Zender Ford for a Winter Check
Preparing your vehicle for the winter is an important task. If you drive a Ford and are looking for a Spruce Grove Car Service, contact Zender Ford. Our technical staff is fully equipped to carry out all the necessary maintenance checks for a Ford Service Spruce Grove.