Having a car maintenance checklist helps you get ready for the changing needs of each season. In cold winters, your battery can drain, tire pressure drops, and roads get slippery. Hot summers, on the other hand, can overheat your engine, wear down your tires, and put extra stress on your cooling system.
These weather changes can affect how your car runs and its safety on the road. That’s why it’s a good idea to stay on top of things with a simple seasonal maintenance routine. So, how do you prepare your car for different seasons?
Why Seasonal Maintenance Matters
While many car owners keep up with oil changes or tire rotations, seasonal maintenance is often overlooked. Yet, it plays a vital role in preparing your vehicle for road conditions that change with the weather. Adjusting your maintenance habits as the seasons shift helps your car perform better and prevents wear and tear caused by extreme temperatures, road salt, humidity, and other environmental factors.
By planning and addressing seasonal needs, such as swapping out fluids, checking climate-specific parts, or testing temperature-sensitive systems, you reduce the chance of sudden breakdowns and extend the life of your vehicle. Seasonal service ensures your car is running and ready for the conditions ahead.
Winter Car Maintenance Checklist
When cold weather arrives, your car requires extra care to withstand the harsh conditions. Here’s a basic winter car prep checklist to keep you safe and ready:
1. Test Your Battery
Cold weather makes it harder for your battery to hold a charge, increasing your chances of getting stranded on a chilly morning. We start your winter service by checking your battery’s voltage and looking for any signs of wear. If your battery is showing weakness or nearing the end of its life, we recommend replacing it before the temperature drops further. Our goal is to help you avoid surprises and keep your vehicle starting strong all winter long.
2. Inspect Tires and Tread
Tires lose pressure in cold weather, and low pressure affects traction, which is critical on icy roads. That’s why we carefully check your tire pressure to ensure it meets the manufacturer’s guidelines. We also examine the tread depth to confirm you have enough traction for winter driving.
3. Check Antifreeze and Coolant Levels
Your engine could freeze without the proper coolant mix. That is why checking the level and testing the strength is important to ensure appropriate freeze protection.
4. Replace Wiper Blades and Fill Washer Fluid
Driving in snow or sleet can get hazardous fast if your windshield wipers can’t keep up. That’s why you should swap out your wiper blades for winter-ready ones that can handle ice and heavy snow. Also, refill your washer fluid with a freeze-resistant solution so you can easily clear off salt, slush, and road grime. This simple step makes a big difference in staying safe on the road during winter.
5. Test the Heater and Defroster
Testing your heater and defroster is crucial to ensure they are functioning correctly. A working heater keeps you warm during your commute and helps keep your windshield clear on frosty mornings.
6. Inspect Belts and Hoses
Cold temperatures make rubber parts more brittle, so it is essential to thoroughly inspect them for cracks and wear that could lead to sudden failure.
7. Emergency Kit Check
At Welsh Automotive, we recommend keeping jumper cables, a blanket, a flashlight, and an ice scraper in your trunk. We’ll even help you put together a kit if you need one.
All of these steps are part of our winter auto service in Exton, PA, and are available at our West Chester location.
Summer Vehicle Maintenance
Summer may seem less demanding, but heat can still cause significant wear and tear. Here’s what we include in your summer vehicle maintenance:
1. Air Conditioning Performance
A working air conditioner is key to staying comfortable during hot summer drives. That’s why we check your A/C system to ensure it’s cooling properly and running efficiently.
2. Check the Coolant and Radiator
Overheating is a risk in summer, so we inspect your cooling system for leaks, pressure-test the radiator, and ensure your coolant levels are good.
3. Inspect Belts and Hoses
Rubber components, such as belts and hoses, are especially vulnerable to heat. These are inspected for cracks, bulges, or soft spots, as these may develop and lead to sudden breakdowns.
4. Monitor Tire Pressure and Tread
Hot pavement increases the risk of tire blowouts, especially when tires are underinflated or worn. At Welsh Automotive, we inspect your tires for proper inflation and tread wear during a single visit, rotating them as needed to help extend their lifespan and enhance road safety.
5. Oil and Filter Change
Engines run hotter in the summer, which can cause oil to break down faster. Therefore, we replace old oil with the right grade for summer driving.
6. Test Battery
High heat can drain your battery, so we test it to ensure it’s in good shape.
By staying on top of these tasks, you’ll avoid mid-summer breakdowns and keep your vehicle road-trip ready. Trust our team for thorough seasonal car maintenance in Exton, PA.
Year-Round Car Maintenance Checklist
Some maintenance tasks are essential in every season. Here’s a general car maintenance checklist we recommend no matter the time of year:
- Regular oil changes
- Brake inspections
- Air filter replacements
- Fluid level checks (brake, transmission, power steering)
- Battery testing
- Light and signal inspections
- Tire rotation and balancing
Keeping up with these basics helps prevent issues and extends the life of your vehicle. You can schedule these services at your convenience at Welsh Automotive.
Why Choose Welsh Automotive?
Welsh Automotive is dedicated to maintaining your vehicle in optimal condition. We provide expert seasonal car maintenance in Exton, PA, servicing drivers from West Chester and the surrounding area. Our team is committed to delivering reliable auto repair service, maintaining honest communication, and producing high-quality work.
We don’t do collision repair or wheel alignments, but we’re the local shop you can count on for everything else, oil changes, seasonal prep, diagnostics, and more.
Book Your Seasonal Service Today
Don’t wait until the weather takes a toll on your car. Let’s help you gear up for a harsh winter and a hot summer. The team at Welsh Automotive is ready to provide the seasonal services that keep your vehicle running strong.
Schedule your appointment for trusted auto service, whether for winter or dependable summer vehicle maintenance, in Exton, PA.
