Wintertime can be hard on a car, especially if you went on a holiday road trip. This guide will help ensure your vehicle is back in shape for the new year.
A big holiday road trip is a great way to reconnect with friends and family who live in far-off places. But now that the holiday season is over and you’ve settled back in at home, it’s time to think about your vehicle! Long trips can be brutal on your car. Keep reading to learn how road trips can take a toll on your vehicle, winter car maintenance tips, signs to look out for, and where to take your vehicle when you need parts and service.
Long road trips, in general, can be harsh on a vehicle, but winter trips are tough on your car. Slick, damaged roads, freezing temperatures (if you left southern Texas!), and stop-and-go traffic can put wear and tear on different components of your vehicle. Here are a few maintenance items you should consider after your winter road trips.
Even if your last oil change wasn’t too long ago, time-wise, long holiday travel can push your mileage over the recommended limit. Engine oil lubricates moving parts, helps keep your engine cool, and minimizes wear and tear. Your engine is the most essential part of your car – make sure you take care of it!
One of the trickiest parts of holiday-season driving is the traffic. According to AAA, 119 million Americans were expected to travel during the 2024 holiday season. All of those cars on the road can lead to severe gridlock. And that stop-and-go traffic is demanding for your vehicle, especially your brakes. It’s essential to have your brakes checked to ensure they’re still in good working condition.
Having your tires rotated and balanced is critical to keeping them in good condition. Rotating and balancing your tires ensures that they wear evenly, which can extend their life. Much like an oil change, the distance you drove over the holiday season may have pushed your tires over the brink of needing a rotation and balance. It doesn’t hurt to have your tires inspected, too – make sure you didn’t bring any nails or debris home as a souvenir!
Wintertime driving can be difficult on your car’s exterior. Does road salt damage cars? It can! The chemicals and salt used on roads in winter can corrode the underside of your vehicle and damage your paint. Corrosion can eventually eat away at the metal on your car and turn to rust. Washing your car often in the winter, especially the undercarriage, can help prevent long-term damage.
Have you ever noticed your car hesitates to start on a frigid morning? You may also notice that your hybrid car has reduced range when driving in winter. That’s because cold weather can affect your battery. If your battery consistently behaves poorly through the winter, have it inspected to ensure that it can adequately start your car.
You may be wondering how to protect a car battery in winter. The best thing you can do for your battery is to drive regularly! Driving keeps your car battery charged because the engine powers a part called the alternator, which recharges the battery while you drive. This helps the battery stay strong and ready to start your car.
Sometimes, driving a long distance can take you on rough roads. Potholes, curbs, off-road ventures, speedbumps, and even overloading with a few too many passengers can all contribute to issues with your vehicle’s alignment and suspension. Your suspension ensures a smooth and supportive ride, so it’s important to have it inspected and serviced regularly.
Regular maintenance on your vehicle, especially after a long trip, can keep it running well. However, problems can still arise. Keep an eye (or ear) out for these signs of potentially serious problems with your vehicle:
If you notice any of these symptoms, it may be time to have your vehicle serviced at Ed Hicks Imports.
If you recently had to drive over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house for the holiday, your vehicle may need a little TLC. Turn to a service center that you can trust: Ed Hicks Imports. We’re your one-stop shop for tune-ups and maintenance, and our team can help prevent any potential problems before they become bigger issues. Schedule your maintenance appointment today.
