No one enjoys talking about winter weather. However, it’s important to take the necessary steps to prepare your vehicle now before frigid temperatures and snow arrive. One of the best things you can do right now is to make sure all of your vehicle’s service needs are up to date before winter takes a toll.
Check Your Engine Cooling System and Antifreeze
The main function of the engine cooling system is to circulate engine antifreeze/coolant through the engine and radiator to maintain the correct operating temperature.
The appropriate antifreeze/coolant mixture is necessary to help reduce the risk of the engine freezing or overheating. At Jiffy Lube, as part of our Signature Service Oil Change, we check your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations and if you are due, we can replace the old antifreeze/coolant with new so your radiator and the rest of your engine cooling system works properly and lasts longer.
Did you know that your antifreeze/coolant is what brings warm air into your car when you use the heater? There is a heater core under your dash that is like a small radiator. Inside of it are small passages that can become clogged without proper cooling system maintenance.
Now through February 28, 2021, you can save 20% on Antifreeze/Coolant Exchange at any Jiffy Lube of Indiana location when you use code: RAD20P
Winter can be stressful for you and your vehicle. Here are four additional items to check to prepare for the next several months of challenging weather!
1. Test Your Battery
Cold temperatures aren’t kind to batteries. Get your battery and charging system checked at any Jiffy Lube location to make sure it has enough charge to keep you going. We will test:
- Cold-cranking amps of the battery
- Electrical draw of the starter
- Electrical output of the alternator
If we find that your battery has come to the end of its road, we can replace it with a new battery.
2. Check All Your Fluids
It takes more than oil to keep your vehicle running smoothly. If you’re interested in checking your vehicle’s fluids from home, check out our Check and Change Series on YouTube.
If you’re not comfortable checking your own, visit any Jiffy Lube of Indiana location for a Signature Service® Oil Change, which is a preventive maintenance program that does more than changes your vehicle’s oil. We also inspect key components, check and fill tires, and other vital fluids.
We’ll inspect your brake fluid level (in transparent reservoirs), antifreeze/coolant reservoir levels, transmission/transaxle fluid, differential fluid, transfer case fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
3. Check Your Lights
As winter arrives and the days get shorter, your vehicle’s lights become an important safety feature. Inspect all interior and exterior lights to make sure they work properly and are aimed in the right direction. Replace lights and make adjustments as needed.
4. Check Your Wiper Blades
Driving on the interstate with salty spray on your windshields is the last place you want to be when you discover your wipers aren’t working properly. Before winter weather arrives, take a closer look at the blades themselves. There should be no separation of the rubber wiping edge or chunks of rubber missing. The metal wiper frame should also not be making any contact with the windshield.
As long as those wipers pass a visual inspection, run a damp cloth along the blade to clean off any dirt and bugs that will hamper your wiper performance. Then test your wipers. If they leave streaks or are making screeching noises, get them replaced as soon as possible.
Winter is a rough time to be a car. Jiffy Lube of Indiana is here to help you take care of all your preventative maintenance needs. Just stop on by your nearest Jiffy Lube of Indiana location for the Jiffy Lube Signature Service Oil Change and we will clean and fill your vital fluids and inspect the vital parts of your vehicle, including tires, air filter, lights, belts and hoses, wipers and more. Stop by today for the peace of mind you need this winter.
