Getting Your Car Ready for the Idaho Winter

How to Prepare Your Car for the Idaho Winter

It’s not yet winter, but in Idaho, you never really know the exact moment that will change. But like it or not, winter is on its way. And you might have to forget those warm morning drives to work with your windows wound down and get used to wet weekends and dark frosty mornings. If there’s a good time to get your vehicle fortified against the burying snow and maddening cold, now is the time. So, what should you do?

Getting a winter car care service is a good place to start.

Leaving the repair shop with the confidence your car is winter-ready is not only satisfying but also a precautionary measure. Your vehicle’s safety is important during winter conditions especially if you regularly have to drive on snowy or icy roads. Our AAMCO Boise & Nampa service shop specializes in winterizing your vehicle and making your driving experience easier during this gloomy season.

Getting Your Car Ready for Winter Driving

Taking great care of your vehicle all year is crucial, its especially important during winter. If ignored, cold weather can take a toll on your vehicle. The poor conditions will also make driving hazardous – especially if your vehicle is poorly maintained. Here are a few tips on getting your car ready for Idaho winter.

Get Winter Tires

Winter tires perform best when the temperatures fall below 7 degrees celsius. Your all-season tires marked (Mud and Snow) might feel like a good fit, and are acceptable in most winter states, but it’s not advisable. Winter tires are specially designed and manufactured for harsh winter conditions. They will have more traction and stopping ability when it comes to emergencies. Also, make sure you have the recommended tire pressure levels and adjust as required.

Give your Battery some TLC

If there’s an ideal time to check your battery for corrosion, and post connection, its during winter. If you don’t have a maintenance-free battery, make sure your battery has all the water it needs. If you suspect your battery is old, visit your local Boise auto repair shop and have them test its ability to retain a charge. You’ll probably get a good Samaritan to jump-start your vehicle when you get stuck in a blizzard, but for your safety and the occupants in your vehicle, it better to avoid such a scenario.

Oil change

It might seem obvious, but if you haven’t had your oil changed, now is a good time to do it. Check with your service repair shop and have them replace your oil with winter recommended oil. This type of oil has low viscosity and will help your engine perform efficiently during cold conditions.

Windshield Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid

After extensive use, your wiper blades will begin to split and crack, and this will greatly affect your visibility since they will get slower and squeaky. That’s the last thing you want, driving through a snowstorm. Consider getting new winter-ready wiper blades. You also don’t want to use water for your windshield when it gets frosty. During winter, your vehicle needs washer fluid since it can withstand conditions below -40 degrees celsius.

Emergency Kit

Accidents happen, and worse when you least expect it. You must be ready in the event it happens, and you are stuck in the middle of nowhere. Ensure you have an emergency kit in your vehicle stocked with a first aid kit, flashlight, supplies, ice scrapper, emergency reflectors, matches or a lighter, snow brush, shovel, candles, a thick blanket, etc.

Practice Driving in Winter

It’s important that you are mindful of your driving habits during winter, especially how you need to maneuver on icy roads. During winter, ease in slowly around corners gently pressing your brakes. It’s also important to give other motorists plenty of space on the road. If you have a four-wheel-drive system in your car, have your mechanic check its status, to ensure it is working properly. Check that it’s working correctly, and all drivers in your household are capable of using it effectively.

Our Services

Is your vehicle winter ready?AAMCO Boise & Nampa is a leading auto repair service specializing in Winterizing service, Transmission Repair, and Service, Brake Repairs, Battery Repair and Service, Check Engine Light, Engine Tune-ups, Oil Changes, Clutch Repairs and many more.

Contact your nearest AAMCO Boise & Nampa Location for a free quote. Our technicians will be more than happy to winterize your vehicle and bump up your driving confidence this season.

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