Winter Maintenance Tips for your Hyundai!

The temperature gets lower, the days seem shorter, and it seems like it’s 10PM right after office hours. This can only mean one thing-winter has arrived. With the increased cold, and decreased visibility, there are some crucial things you should make sure to keep up with on your vehicle. Whether your car is less than a year old, or a few years old, or even has over 100K miles on it, the cold weather doesn’t wait for anyone! Make sure to follow these maintenance tips for the cold weather months ahead to ensure peak performance, and safety for you and your family!

Safety is of the utmost importance during the winter, the stopping distance is reduced, as well as visibility. We’re committed to keeping your vehicle in great condition during the winter, as well as keeping your vehicle safe for you and your loved ones in the snowy midwestern winter.

• Battery: A weak battery can fail in the cold. Have it tested, and if it’s older than three years, consider replacing it.
• Fluids: Check and top off all fluids. Use a winter-grade engine oil if recommended, ensure your antifreeze has the correct 50:50 coolant-to-water ratio, and fill your washer fluid with a formula rated for freezing temperatures.
• Belts and hoses: Cold temperatures can make belts and hoses brittle. Inspect them for cracks and wear.
• Change your oil: Cold weather tends to thicken oil and reduce its ability to circulate through the engine, so make sure that you have fresh oil to keep your car running smoothly. Some experts recommend using a thinner oil during the winter months, however, make sure to consult your owner’s manual or give us a call if you’re not sure and we can help decide if this option is right for you and your vehicle.

Tires and visibility

• Tires: Check your tire pressure regularly, as it drops in the cold. For the winter it’s imperative that your tire tread is good, especially with the snow and ice reducing stopping distance. Consider new tires, or switching to snow tires to increase the safety of your vehicle in the snow!
• Wiper blades: Replace worn wiper blades for better visibility and make sure your washer fluid is winter-specific to prevent freezing.
• Lights: Ensure all your exterior lights are working. Shorter days and longer nights make proper lighting crucial for visibility.
• Heater and defroster: The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility. Your air conditioner needs to be functional as well to ensure proper defrost operation. If your windows are fogging up, make sure the fresh air button is selected.
• Brakes: Have your brake pads and discs inspected for wear, as stopping distances increase on icy roads. Talk with your service advisor on when and if your brake pads need to be replaced. The winter is supposed to be a rough one, and it may be in your best interest to replace them, even if they still have a little life left in them.

Emergency preparedness

• Emergency kit: Pack a kit with essentials like jumper cables, a blanket, a flashlight, an ice scraper, and some non-perishable snacks. If the case may happen, make sure you know how to properly jump your car!
• Clean up: Wash your car’s undercarriage to remove road salt, which can cause rust. Make sure to regularly go to a touchless car wash to ensure that the road salt doesn’t damage the paint or cause any rust to your vehicle!

By following these maintenance tips, you can elevate your vehicle’s safety, performance, and longevity. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Patrick Hyundai’s service center! Stay safe out there this winter, and know that we are here for you and your vehicle every step of the way at Patrick Hyundai!