Cold-Weather Car Care – What Your Vehicle Needs Now
Cold-Weather Car Care – What Your Vehicle Needs Now
Posted on February 21, 2025
Winter in Barrie can be brutal, especially with back-to-back snowstorms creating hazardous driving conditions. From icy roads to freezing temperatures, your vehicle faces extra challenges that can impact performance, safety, and reliability. To keep your car in top shape during Ontario’s harsh winter, it’s crucial to stay on top of seasonal maintenance.
At Barrie Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we know how demanding winter driving can be, and we’re here to help. Below, we’ll cover the essential services your vehicle needs to handle extreme winter conditions. Plus, we’re offering an exclusive FREE Vehicle Health Check and 10% off any recommended service to ensure you stay safe on the road.
Winter Car Care: Must-Do Maintenance for Ontario Drivers
With freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, your vehicle is working overtime to keep you safe. Here are some key services to keep your car running smoothly this winter:
1. Battery Inspection & Replacement
Cold weather reduces your battery’s efficiency, making it harder for your engine to start. The last thing you want is to be stranded with a dead battery in subzero temperatures.
Why It Matters:
- Batteries lose 30-50% of their power in extreme cold.
- Older batteries (3+ years) are more prone to failure.
- Cold weather increases demand on the battery due to heating, lights, and defrosters.
Recommended Service: Have your battery tested to ensure it's holding a proper charge. If it's weak, replacing it now can prevent an unexpected breakdown.
2. Winter Tire Inspection & Installation
Winter tires are crucial for maintaining traction and control on snowy and icy roads. Unlike all-season tires, winter tires stay flexible in cold temperatures, providing better grip and braking power.
Why It Matters:
- Winter tires offer up to 50% better traction on ice and snow.
- They reduce braking distance, lowering the risk of collisions.
- Ontario insurance providers often offer discounts for vehicles equipped with winter tires.
Recommended Service: If you haven’t switched to winter tires yet, do it now! If you already have them on, check for proper inflation and tread depth (at least 5/32” for optimal performance).
3. Brake System Check
Snow and ice make stopping distances longer, so your brakes must be in top shape. Corrosion from road salt and moisture can weaken your braking system, reducing stopping power when you need it most.
Why It Matters:
- Worn brake pads and rotors reduce braking efficiency.
- ABS and traction control rely on a fully functional brake system.
- Road salt and moisture can lead to rust and brake corrosion.
Recommended Service: Have your brake pads, rotors, and fluid inspected. If your brakes feel soft or unresponsive, replacements may be necessary.
4. Oil & Fluids Service
Cold weather thickens engine oil, making it harder for your engine to operate efficiently. Your vehicle’s fluids also need to be winter-ready to ensure peak performance.
Why It Matters:
- Winter-grade synthetic oil flows better in freezing temperatures.
- Antifreeze prevents the cooling system from freezing.
- Winter-formulated windshield washer fluid prevents ice buildup and improves visibility.
Recommended Service: Switch to winter-grade synthetic oil, top off coolant levels, and use de-icing windshield washer fluid.
5. Wiper Blade & Defroster Check
Clear visibility is essential in winter, yet snow, ice, and slush can make it difficult to see the road. Worn-out wipers and a failing defroster can make driving dangerous.
Why It Matters:
- Old wipers can leave streaks and reduce visibility.
- A weak defroster may struggle to clear fogged or iced-up windows.
- Windshield chips or cracks can worsen due to extreme temperature changes.
Recommended Service: Replace worn wiper blades, check your defroster, and repair any windshield cracks before they spread.
6. Suspension & Wheel Alignment Check
Winter driving exposes your vehicle to potholes, ice, and rough roads, all of which can throw your alignment off and damage your suspension.
Why It Matters:
- Misaligned wheels cause uneven tire wear and reduced handling.
- A worn suspension can make driving rougher and less stable.
- Proper alignment ensures better control and stability on slippery roads.
Recommended Service: A professional alignment and suspension check can improve handling, extend tire life, and ensure a smooth ride.
7. Exhaust System & Heater Inspection
A properly functioning heater is essential for comfort and safety in winter, while a well-maintained exhaust system prevents harmful fumes from entering your cabin.
Why It Matters:
- A faulty heater or defroster makes driving uncomfortable and unsafe.
- Exhaust leaks can let carbon monoxide into your car, posing a serious health risk.
- A blocked exhaust system reduces engine efficiency.
Recommended Service: Have your heating and defroster system checked and ensure your exhaust system is free of leaks or blockages.
Exclusive Winter Service Offer at Barrie Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram!
Winter can be tough on your vehicle, but at Barrie Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we make maintenance easy and affordable. To keep your car in peak condition, we’re offering an exclusive winter service promotion:
🚗 Get a FREE Vehicle Health Check!
🔧 Receive 10% OFF Any Recommended Service (Up to $250)!
When you bring your vehicle in for a free health check, our certified technicians will inspect all critical components to ensure your car is winter-ready. If we find any issues, you’ll receive 10% off the recommended services, helping you save money while keeping your vehicle in peak condition.
✅ Battery & Charging System Test
✅ Brake & Tire Inspection
✅ Fluid Level & Oil Check
✅ Suspension & Alignment Review
✅ Heating & Defrost System Assessment
📅 Hurry – Offer Ends March 31, 2025!
Winter weather is unpredictable, but your car’s performance doesn’t have to be. Don’t wait until you’re stuck in the cold—schedule your FREE Vehicle Health Check today and take advantage of this limited-time offer.
📍 Visit Us at Barrie Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram or Book Your Appointment Online Now!
Drive confidently this winter with expert service from Barrie Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. 🚙❄️