How to Prep a Car for Winter

Maintaining your MINI vehicle is a year-round task. What you need to do depends partially on the season, with winter one of the worst seasons for cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs. Issues such as congealed motor oil, low tire pressure, malfunctioning heater systems, and poor battery functionality are just some of the problems that Jack Frost can cause. Learn how to prep a car for winter today with the service experts at MINI of Loveland and avoid untimely breakdowns on Fort Collins roads. Our winter car prep tips are here for you! If your vehicle needs professional maintenance, such as an oil change, contact our service department in Loveland! 

Winter Car Prep Tips

From your quick trips to the store to your long treks out of Denver, learning how to prep a car for winter gives you confidence and peace of mind during the ride. Here are the winter car prep tips you can follow to prepare:

• Check your battery: Before the weather changes, consider running a battery test as the chilly weather tends to make it harder for your car to start. Inspect the battery cables and terminals for cracks to see if you need a battery replacement. 
• Check your tire pressure: You’ll probably notice your tires deflating once the cold season begins. As the temperature drops, it’s a good idea to add regular pressure checks to your trips around Boulder. Not only does improper inflation decrease your gas mileage, but it also fails to give you the necessary traction you need. 
• Consider winter tires: If you live in an area that receives heavy amounts of snow and ice, you would benefit from adding winter tires to your checklist. Winter tires add an improved grip, shorten your stopping distance, and provide you with increased control. 
• Regular brake checks: It’s also beneficial to add regular brake inspections during this season. Wet roads and ice can cause rust to build up and reduce your brake performance.
• Check your coolant levels: Ensure your engine is running smoothly by making sure you have enough coolant in your radiator. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual has the right coolant for your vehicle, and you can easily order it from the MINI of Loveland parts center. 
• Change your oil: Another factor that impacts how smoothly your engine performs during the winter months is your engine oil. Since motor oil naturally thickens in cold weather, it’s good to be proactive by starting the season with an oil change.
• Fill your wiper fluid and replace the wiper blade: Salt and debris from the road can affect your visibility on Loveland roads. Consider freeze-resistant wiper fluid and heavy-duty wiper blades for the more harsh months. 
• Keep the tank topped off: An empty tank allows moisture to build up and leads to diluted fuel and more strain on your vehicle’s fuel pump and other parts. 
• Check your heater: Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to suffer during your daily commute. Make sure your heating system is functioning properly at the beginning of the winter season. 

Schedule Your Winter Service with MINI of Loveland!

Now you know how to prep a car for winter! Call 970-744-5607 or message us online if you need to make a service appointment. We are here to help your vehicle last well beyond winter! For more maintenance tips, review our guides on how often to change your spark plugs and how to check your oil!