Get Winter-Ready: Invest In Seasonal Car Maintenance And Save With TIRECRAFT

Today’s post reviews Consumer Reports’ list of essential winter car maintenance practices, all of which can be completed by an ASE-certified technician at your local TIRECRAFT.

Read on to inform your DIY seasonal car maintenance plan, or contact your local TIRECRAFT to put your upkeep on autopilot!

Get Winter-Ready: Consumer Reports’ Seasonal Car Maintenance Tips

1.   Keep The Battery In Good Shape

“Your vehicle’s battery is especially hard hit when the mercury plummets,” writes Jon Linkov for Consumer Reports. And that’s totally true! In fact, at about -17° C, you can expect your battery to muster up about half the cranking power as usual.

To make sure you or a loved one doesn’t end up stranded somewhere in snow, Consumer Reports recommends conducting regular visual checks and, if you have any doubt, having the battery “professionally tested as a service station, auto parts store, or repair shop.” TIRECRAFT is all three-in-one, so you can handle your checks, fluid top-ups, and repairs or replacements in one place, and stack savings through the MyTIRECRAFT Rewards program in the process.

2.   Replace Your Wiper Blades

“You have to replace wiper blades more often than you might think,” writes Linkov. “Our tests have found that even the best-performing wiper blades start to lose their effectiveness in as little as six months.”

If you have to buy wiper blades every six months, you might as well turn this expense into an opportunity to save. Just sign up for the MyTIRECRAFT Rewards program and you’ll instantly earn $20 in rewards points, plus additional points for every dollar spent on your new wiper blades.

3.   Invest In Regular Window Clearing Capabilities

“If you can’t see out the windows, you’re a danger to yourself and everyone around,” writes Linkov.

Beyond those frigid morning ice-scrapings, you’ll probably also want to invest in better window clearing capabilities. Consider keeping your windshield-washer reservoir filled with a winter-blend washer solution that contains an antifreeze agent, and make sure the heater is functioning properly. If you need assistance, we’re standing by, with serious repair expertise at every location, plus plenty of winter safety accessories in stock.

4.   Check The Oil

“Cold weather can beat up your engine, too,” Linkov says. “Motor oil thickens when cold, making it harder for the engine to turn over. “

To stay safe this winter, make sure you’re using the right oil. Check the owner’s manual for the manufacturer recommendation, or ask your local TIRECRAFT. It is generally recommended to use a multi-viscosity oil that has a “W” in the viscosity index, indicating that it is designed for cold-weather use.

Whether you prefer 5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30, or something different, you’ll find everything you need at your local TIRECRAFT—and here again, the MyTIRECRAFT Rewards program gives you an opportunity to turn oil checks and upkeep into money-saving opportunities.

5.   Consider Winter Tires

“If you live where snow and ice are ever-present, consider buying dedicated winter tires mounted on inexpensive steel wheels,” writes Linkov.

Nearly three-quarters (72%) of Canadians now use winter tires, according to the TRAC 2020 Canadian Consumer Winter Tire Study.

If you’re looking to upgrade as part of your winter preparation, get in touch with our team. We carry all the most popular winter tire brands, and winter tire promotions are running now!

Invest In Seasonal Car Maintenance: Spend And Save At TIRECRAFT

Use the Find a TIRECRAFT tool to get in touch with a seasonal car maintenance specialist, and sign up for the MyTIRECRAFT Rewards program to turn your seasonal car maintenance costs into savings!

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