BRRRR! It’s getting cold outside, which can only mean one thing…winter is coming. Although we love the snow and holiday season, the harsh weather can be hard on your vehicle, especially if it hasn’t received proper maintenance. With the winter months quickly approaching, right now is the perfect time to double check and make sure you’ve completed all your winter service! Below you will find 10 simple services to get your Nissan ready for the winter months. See if you’ve missed any or start your maintenance today! As always, if you need assistance with your service, be sure to schedule a service appointment online or stop into Loughead Nissan today!

Tips For Getting Your Ride Ready For Winter

It’s Time For An Oil Change 

• Has it been 5,000 miles since your last oil change? Then it’s time for a new one!
• Oil tends to thicken as it gets colder, and if it’s too thick it won’t do the best job of keeping your engine lubricated.
• Figure out if your vehicle needs a conventional oil change or synthetic oil change 

Replace Your Wiper Blades

• When’s the last time you replaced your windshield wiper blades?
• Wiper blades tend to last no longer than a year. 

Give Your Battery Some TLC

• The cold weather can be tough on your battery. Be sure to check and make sure your battery’s posts and connections are corrosion-free and that your battery has all the water it needs.
• If your battery is more than three years old, have a certified repair shop test its ability to hold a charge.

Examine Your Belts & Hoses

• Make sure the belts and hoses get checked for wear and tear, as cold weather conditions can cause problems or make problems worse

Check Your Tire Pressure

• Your tires are extremely important to your performance, especially during the winter. 
• Making sure your tire pressure is correct is important for traction, which helps you stop, make turns, and drive without slipping and sliding 
• Check your driver’s manual for the proper tire pressure

Change Your Snow Tires 

• Most vehicles are purchased with all-season tires, which can work for some areas. 
• If you experience a lot of snow, ice, or other challenging winter conditions, then we suggest purchasing winter tires, which are designed for winter driving 

Check Your 4WD

• Chances are you hadn’t used your 4WD system during summer, which means it’s been almost a year since you last used it. 
• Be sure to try out your 4WD before challenging winter conditions strike to make sure your 4WD system is working properly.

Get The Right Antifreeze Mixture 

• Aim for having a 50-50 mix of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your radiator. This will prevent the mixture from freezing even at freezing cold temperatures. 

Prepare An Emergency Kit 

• Store this stuff in your trunk during the winter months, especially if a road trip is in your future
• Include, blanket, extra boots, and gloves, extra water and food, including hard candies, an ice scraper, a small shovel, a flashlight, windshield washer fluid, a tool kit, jumper cables, a spare tire with air in it, and a first-aid kit

Have A Plan In Case Of A Breakdown or Accident 

• Breakdowns/ being stranded in the cold is no fun and can be scary. Be sure to make a plan to follow to help make the situation go smoother in case you find yourself stranded.