Fall Vehicle Service to Prevent Winter Weather Damage

We know it isn’t even Halloween yet, but let’s talk about winter weather in North Branch, MN. We see zero degrees in January and sometimes even creep lower than that. This can wreak havoc on your automobile, especially the battery. This is why Total Auto Care recommends a service visit now. This allows us to inspect your car, truck, or SUV and run some tests. We can then get your automobile ready to tackle winter weather, keeping you safe and warm in the process.

Battery Power Test

Icy weather kills your battery’s power. When the mercury hits freezing, you lose 30 percent; when the mercury hits zero, you lose 60 percent. Now you know why your battery dies in the winter more than in any other season. We’ll test your battery now to make sure any power loss won’t affect its performance. If it isn’t holding a good charge, we’ll replace it so cold weather won’t pack quite a punch.

Cooling System Inspection

Antifreeze typically lasts about two years before it needs to be changed, but this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t inspect your cooling system even if your antifreeze isn’t that old. Low or dirty antifreeze and/or excess water in the cooling system can give you a migraine headache in the winter. In fact, water can expand and damage the radiator, so if it’s time to replace to flush the system, we’ll do so.

Heater Core Test

The heater core is a mini-radiator in your vehicle’s cooling system. It uses a hot coolant to warm the air that heats your cabin. It also heats the air for your windshield defroster. Winter is not a good time to have problems with the heater core, especially if it’s leaking. We’ll inspect the core and test it. If it needs to be replaced, we can take care of that before the mercury drops.

Oil Change

Zero degrees Fahrenheit is extreme, so if you have conventional motor oil in your automobile, let’s switch it to synthetic for better engine protection in cold weather. Synthetic has additives that prevent it from losing its viscosity in zero-degree icy conditions. It does not freeze up and thicken as easily as conventional motor oil does, even though it’s unbearable outside.Total Auto Care will also inspect your tires to make sure you have plenty of tread left to keep your grip on wet and icy roads. Call our North Branch, MN, auto shop to schedule an autumn service visit.