Keeping Your Ford from Frostbite: Cold-Weather Car Maintenance 

As the Christmas gifts start to gather under the tree and we start to build our list of New Year’s resolutions, it’s easy to forget about maintenance tasks–including your Ford. 

Car maintenance is a key factor in keeping your car running like it just came off the lot, but it’s also one that easily gets pushed down the “to-do” list. And while we can sometimes let vehicle maintenance fall to the wayside, winter weather brings a whole new slew of concerns for your vehicle–and ones that, if left alone, could be costly. 

The team at House Ford Red Wing has created a 5-step comprehensive guide to your cold-weather car care, from outfitting your Ford with winter tires to building your emergency cold-weather kit. Keep reading to learn more and navigate the cold in confidence! 

1. Schedule an Appointment at Your Ford Service Center 

While we often only head to the service center for a routine oil change or a much-needed repair, it’s best to have your Ford serviced before winter sets in. 

Here are some key areas our service center will focus on during your visit: 

• Battery: As temperatures drop, your Ford’s battery power decreases. This means that during those chilly mornings, your battery is working overtime to get started. Our Ford technicians will check your battery’s condition and, if needed, install a 600 CCA battery for prime winter performance. 
• Cooling system: Antifreeze is a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, and its main task is to keep the engine in working order. Without antifreeze, water and other coolants will freeze and expand, potentially causing severe damage to the engine–and your wallet. 
• Brakes: While the cold weather doesn’t necessarily harm your brakes, you may find yourself hitting them more often in the colder months, where ice and snow can play a major factor in driving conditions. Because of this, it’s crucial to your safety to have your brakes checked by our technicians to ensure they’re ready for winter weather. 
• Belts, hoses, cables, oh my!: Belts, hoses, cables, wires, and spark plugs all play a crucial role in keeping your vehicle on the move. When a leak, tear, or other issue causes one of these components to fail, you may end up stranded.

2. Invest in Winter Tires (and Keep Them Filled)! 

While most of us can get by with all-season tires in the colder months, winter tires may be a worthwhile investment if you live in an area that experiences harsh winters and extremely cold temperatures. But wait, what’s so special about winter tires? 

The compounds found in non-winter tires harden in colder temperatures, greatly decreasing their ability to grip the road and, in turn, sacrificing your safety. Winter tires, however, are created using special compounds to combat the cold season, ensuring your safety at every turn. 

Having the best weather-specific tires means nothing if the tire pressure falls. Check your tire pressure more often in the winter months to ensure they are filled and ready to tackle the road ahead. 

3. Winter Wipers and Washer Fluid 

Your windshield is the most important point of visibility, but it can easily be disrupted by winter conditions. Winter wipers, just like winter tires, are crucial when the temperature drops, as they are equipped with rubber designed to prevent ice from collecting on the blades. 

Another crucial component of your windshield is the washer fluid. It’s important to refill the washer fluid frequently, specifically with a fluid formulated for the weather conditions. Talk to our team today if you are concerned about your windshield wipers and fluid levels–we’re happy to help! 

4. Build a Winter Driving Safety Kit 

In the unfortunate event that you’re left with a Ford that won’t move and a temperature that plummets more and more by the hour, you’ll want to be prepared with your own winter driving safety kit. 

Here are some items to pack in your kit to prepare for the unexpected: 

• Pack of matches 
• First aid kit 
• Signal flares 
• Flashlight and extra batteries 
• Ice scraper 
• Non-perishable food and beverages 
• Extra winter clothing and accessories 
• Jumper cables 
• Snow shovel 
• Bag of abrasive material for traction (sand, cat litter, etc.) 
• Extra antifreeze 
• Car tool kit 

5. Learn How to Drive in Winter Conditions 

You can do all the right things to your vehicle–investing in the right tires, ensuring all of your Ford’s equipment is in pristine condition, building an emergency kit–but it all means nothing if you don’t know how to drive in winter weather. 

Here are some winter driving safety tips to help you stay alert and prepared while on the road: 

• Don’t get behind the wheel in extreme weather conditions unless it’s absolutely necessary.
• Drive slowly.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly, giving yourself extra time to speed up or slow down. 
• Leave a larger following distance to give yourself more time to stop.
• Understand your brake footing–keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply steady pressure to the pedal. Don’t slam on your brakes!
• Keep the gas tank at least half full at all times–you never know when the unexpected may occur.

Keep Your Ford Ready for the Winter with House Ford in Red Wing, MN! 

At House Ford, we believe in not only providing you with a stress-free car buying experience, but in helping you keep your Ford running smoothly–no matter the weather. 

Our factory-trained Ford technicians are here to help keep your ride on the move and prepared for the road ahead. Whether you need a coolant level top-off or new tires for winter weather, the team at the House Ford Service Center is here to help! 

Before your visit, check out our Ford service coupons for car maintenance and repairs to help you save money and provide peace of mind. Schedule an appointment with us today! 

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