Don't look now. But Old Man Winter is peeking around the corner. That means now is the time to prepare your vehicle for everything winter throws our way. Getting your car ready for the severe weather with some preventative service and maintenance will help ensure it performs safely and reliably all season long. Hiland Toyota in Moline is here to help get your car in top shape for winter driving.
One of the most important winter maintenance tasks is checking your car's tire pressure and tread depth. Good tires are critical for maintaining traction on snowy and icy roads. If your tread depth is low, you may want to consider replacing your tires. For the best traction and handling in winter conditions in Milan, consider switching to a set of winter tires. The service team at Hiland Toyota can inspect your tires and help you determine if your car needs new tires to be winter-ready.
It's also important to check your car's fluid levels before the cold weather hits. This includes the antifreeze, oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and washer fluid. Your car's fluids help keep it running smoothly in the cold. The certified technicians at Hiland Toyota's service center in Moline can check your fluid levels and top them off or replace them as needed. An oil change and switching to a winter-grade oil are also good ideas to prepare your car for the season.
Winter Car Battery Care
Car batteries can take a beating in the winter. The cold temperatures can reduce a battery's cranking power, making it harder to start your car. If your battery is more than a few years old, it's wise to have it tested before winter to make sure it still holds a charge. The factory-trained technicians at Hiland Toyota in Moline can test your battery and replace it if needed, so you're not left stranded with a dead battery this winter.
Visibility is critical for safe driving during winter precipitation. Be sure to check that your headlights, taillights, and brake lights are all working properly. If you have any burnt-out bulbs, replace them. Hiland Toyota's parts department, serving the Moline area, can provide the right bulbs for your vehicle. While you're at it, check your wiper blades too. Worn wiper blades can't effectively clear snow and ice, impairing your visibility. If your wiper blades are leaving streaks, it's time to replace them.
Safe Winter Driving Tips
In addition to getting your car serviced for winter at Hiland Toyota, there are things you can do to drive safely in winter conditions. Slow down and allow extra stopping distance on snowy or icy roads. Accelerate and brake slowly to avoid skids. Be extra cautious on bridges and overpasses, as they often freeze before other road surfaces. If you live or frequently drive through Silvis, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions as you travel between town and more rural areas.
It's also a smart idea to prepare a winter emergency kit to keep in your vehicle. Stock it with items such as an ice scraper, flashlight, blankets, snacks, water, jumper cables, a shovel, and cat litter for added traction. Hopefully, you won't need to use your emergency kit, but you'll be glad to have it if you ever get stranded in the cold. Hiland Toyota's Parts department in Moline can help you find the right items to put together your winter car emergency kit.
Schedule Your Winter Car Service at Hiland Toyota
Don't wait for the first snowfall to get your car ready for winter. Schedule a winter maintenance appointment today at Hiland Toyota in Moline. Our expert service team will make sure your car is in top condition to handle everything winter has in store.
