Seasonal Car Care
Prepare your car for every season
Switch to Winter Tires in November — They Save Lives
Winter tires reduce braking distance on snow by 40%. All-seasons are NOT snow tires.
Keep Your Gas Tank Above Half Full in Winter
Half-full prevents fuel line freezing and ensures you have gas if stranded in a winter storm.
Test Your Battery Before Winter — Cold Kills Weak Batteries
Cold reduces battery capacity by 50%. A weak battery that works in summer dies on the first cold morning.
Wax Your Car Before Winter for Salt Protection
A fall wax application creates a barrier between road salt and your paint — prevents rust and damage.
Keep a Winter Emergency Kit in Your Car
Add to your regular kit: blankets, hand warmers, shovel, sand/kitty litter, and extra warm clothes.
Use Rubber Floor Mats in Winter to Protect Carpet
Rubber mats catch snow, salt, and slush — protecting your carpeted mats and preventing rust.
Park Facing East So Morning Sun Defrosts Your Windshield
The morning sun hits an east-facing windshield first — natural defrosting while you eat breakfast.
Check Coolant Strength Before Summer and Winter
Coolant that's too diluted freezes in winter or boils in summer — both destroy engines.
Apply Rain-X to Windshields Before Rainy Season
Rain-X makes water bead and fly off at speed — you barely need wipers above 35 mph.
Check AC System in Spring Before Summer Heat
AC problems are cheap to fix early. In July, shops are booked 2 weeks out and charge rush prices.
Use a Windshield Sunshade in Summer to Drop Interior Temp 30°F
A $10 reflective sunshade keeps your dashboard from cracking and drops interior temp by 30-40°F.
Protect Your Car's Finish from Summer Sun with Shade Parking
Parking in shade prevents UV paint fade, interior cracking, and reduces AC load when you return.
Flush Your Coolant System Every 30,000 Miles
Old coolant loses anti-corrosion properties — a $100 flush prevents $2,000+ in cooling system repairs.
Use Tire Pressure Monitoring in Temperature Swings
Tires lose 1 PSI per 10°F drop. A 40°F temperature swing means 4 PSI lost overnight.